Chest Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

A chest infection is an illness that affects the lungs or large airways (bronchi). It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some chest infections are mild and resolve on their own, while others can be serious and potentially life-threatening.

What are the common chest infections and their symptoms?

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, typically resulting from a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. While most individuals recover within two to four weeks, infants, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe illness and may require hospitalisation for treatment.

Pneumonia symptoms can begin abruptly or develop gradually over several days. These symptoms may include:

A cough, possibly producing yellow or green mucus (phlegm)
Shortness of breath
High fever
Chest pain
Body aches
Extreme fatigue
Loss of appetite
Wheezing sounds when breathing, with infants possibly making grunting noises
Confusion, particularly common in older adults

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. There are two types of bronchitis: acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

The symptoms for both acute and chronic bronchitis are similar:

Cough with mucus
Chest pain
Tiredness
Low fever of below 38°C
Shortness of breath
Wheezing

Symptoms of acute cases subside after two to three weeks. However, for chronic bronchitis, a productive cough can persist for three months or beyond.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a prevalent chest infection that impacts babies and children under two. This condition is typically mild and can be treated from your own house, but it can also be severe.

While they may sound similar, bronchiolitis and bronchitis are not the same. The difference is that the initial symptoms of bronchiolitis resemble those of a cold, such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, a cough, and a slightly high temperature of 38oC.

Symptoms typically worsen between the third and fifth day, and the cough usually improves in three weeks.

How are chest infections diagnosed?

Chest infections are diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic tests

Chest X-ray: Can help identify infections like pneumonia by showing areas of inflammation or fluid buildup in the lungs.
Sputum test: If you are coughing up mucus (sputum), a sample may be taken and sent to a lab to determine if bacteria, viruses, or fungi are causing the infection.
Blood tests: Blood tests, like a complete blood count (CBC), may be ordered to check for signs of infection and inflammation, such as an elevated white blood cell count.
Pulmonary function tests: In chronic cases, especially with conditions like bronchitis or COPD, doctors may test lung function to assess airflow and breathing capacity.
CT scan: In some cases, if more detailed imaging is needed, a CT scan of the chest may be done to get a clearer view of lung tissue and detect any complications.

Additional tests (if needed)

Bronchoscopy: In rare cases, a doctor might use a bronchoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to examine the airways and collect tissue samples from the lungs, especially if the infection is severe or the cause is unclear.
Viral or bacterial cultures: Nasal or throat swabs might be taken to detect specific viral or bacterial infections, such as influenza or strep throat, which could contribute to a chest infection.

How are they treated?

The treatment for chest infections depends on the underlying cause (viral, bacterial, or fungal) and the severity of the infection.

Rest and hydration

Rest: Giving your body time to recover is crucial, especially for viral infections.
Fluids: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the lungs.

Medications

Antibiotics: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the chest infection is bacterial, such as bacterial pneumonia. These will not help if the infection is viral.
Antiviral medications: Antiviral medications may be prescribed for viral infections, like the flu.
Cough medications:
- Expectorants: Help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel through coughing.
- Cough suppressants: May be used if the cough is dry.
- Bronchodilators: If wheezing or shortness of breath is present, especially in people with chronic conditions like asthma or bronchitis, bronchodilators may be prescribed to open up the airways.
Pain relievers / Antipyretics: Can help reduce fever, chest pain, and inflammation.
Steroids: In severe or chronic infections, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Antifungal medications: If a fungal infection is suspected, antifungal drugs may be prescribed.

Oxygen Therapy

For more severe infections that cause significant breathing difficulties or low oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen may be administered in a hospital setting.

When should you see a doctor for a chest infection?

Most chest infections can be effectively managed by treating the underlying cause and managing symptoms. Viral infections, such as influenza and the common cold, usually clear on their own.

However, if you are showing any of the following symptoms, they should be evaluated by a doctor:

Chest pain
Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum
A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute or palpitations
High fever
Confusion or drowsiness
Bluish lips or face
Persistent cough
Light-headedness

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding chest infections. A dedicated and expert team of respiratory medicine specialists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.