Causes of chest infections.

Chest Infection:
Infection of the lungs or airways is called chest infection. Bronchitis and Pneumonia are the common types of chest infections. Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses, while most cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria. Chest infections can affect people of all ages. Young children and the elderly are most at risk, as are those who are sick and smoke. Chest infections can be serious for these people. However, sometimes you need antibiotics to help you recover. These infections usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Some chest infections are mild and clear on their own, but others can be severe and fatal.The elderly and people with chronic conditions are advised to get the flu vaccine every year before the onset of winter and the pneumococcal vaccine every five years.
Symptoms of a chest infection.
The symptoms will depend on your age, the cause and severity of the infection and other medical issues.

• Cough with or without mucus production.
• Chest pain.
• Fatigue (feeling tired).
• Mild headache.
• Mild body aches.
• Watery eyes.
• Sore throat.
• Stomach pain
• The child may have vomiting, diarrhea and may be irritable or lethargic.

Chest infections can start with these symptoms, but if you have these symptoms, you do not need to see a doctor. The only exceptions are those whose long-term health conditions affect the lungs, and people with these conditions are more likely to develop serious complications.

Treatment of chest infections.
Most people with bronchitis can be treated at home and recover completely. The severity of pneumonia is difficult to estimate. Some patients can be treated with simple antibiotics at home. They may need to be admitted to an intensive care unit and their illness may be fatal.
Treatment options include:

• Your doctor will advise you on any medication you need to control this attack.
• Some people need to be hospitalized for further treatment, especially young children and the elderly who are at higher risk of serious complications.
• You may need to be examined by your local doctor within 48 hours, especially if you are not getting better, and again in six weeks to make sure you are fully recovered. A chest x-ray may be required at this moment.

What can I do to treat my chest infection?
If you have a chest infection, you should:

• If you smoke, try to quit for good. Smokers are more likely to have bronchitis, chest infections, and serious lung disease.
• Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to reduce fever and relieve aches, pains, and headaches.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration and to keep mucus in your lungs thin and ease coughing.

See a doctor.
Infections of the large airways in the lungs usually get better on their own, so there is often no need to see a GP. You should consult your doctor if you have asthma. They may recommend that you increase your inhaler medication at the first sign of infection or take a 'rescue pack' of antibiotics and steroid pills. If not, talk to them for advice if you have any symptoms of a chest infection.

Take care of yourself at home.
If you have a bacterial infection in your chest, you should start to feel better 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotics. For other types of chest infections, recovery is more gradual. You may feel weak for a while and you may need a long rest in bed.
Vaccination is available.
Vaccines are available to reduce the risk of certain types of chest infections. Some groups, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, can be vaccinated against one of the most common types of bacterial pneumonia. For children, a different vaccine is used. It is recommended that older people and people with chronic illnesses get a flu shot every year before the start of winter, as the flu can be complicated by pneumonia. Contact your doctor for more information.