Chest Infection Treatment

You should consult a doctor for a chest infection if you experience any of the following:

• Cough lasting more than 7–10 days or getting worse.
• High fever (over 38°C) that doesn’t settle with medication.
• Breathlessness or wheezing, especially while resting.
• Coughing up yellow, green, or bloody mucus.
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing.
• Fatigue, dizziness, or confusion.
• If you have an existing condition like asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes.
• If you’re an older adult, young child, or pregnant and feeling unwell.
• Symptoms returning after initially improving.

Common symptoms of chest infections are:

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and body aches
• Loss of appetite
• Headache and sore throat
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)

Here’s a simple breakdown of the types of chest infections:

• Bronchitis
  • The most common type.
  • Involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes (the airways leading to your lungs).
  • Often caused by viruses, occasionally bacteria.
  • Symptoms: persistent cough, chest tightness, mild fever, and mucus production.
• Pneumonia
  • A more serious infection of the lung tissue itself.
  • Can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
  • Symptoms: high fever, chills, breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, and thick mucus.
• Bronchiolitis
  • Common in babies and young children.
  • Involves inflammation of the small airways (bronchioles).
  • Caused mostly by viruses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
• Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Less common in Australia but still occurs.
  • Caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Symptoms: chronic cough, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.

Common causes of chest infections are:

• Viral infections: The most common cause of chest infections like bronchitis and bronchiolitis, especially in colder months. Viruses such as influenza, RSV, and adenoviruses are frequent culprits.
• Bacterial infections: Can cause more serious chest infections like pneumonia.
• Weakened immune system: People with chronic illnesses, the elderly, infants, and those on immune-suppressing medications are at higher risk.
• Smoking: Damages lung tissues and impairs the airways’ natural defence, making infections more likely.
• Chronic respiratory conditions: Asthma, COPD, or cystic fibrosis increase susceptibility to infections.
• Exposure to pollutants: Dust, chemicals, and smoke irritate airways and lungs, raising infection risk.
• Close contact with infected people: Chest infections often spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Yes, certain chest infections can be prevented, there are several effective ways to reduce your risk:

• Get vaccinated: Stay up to date with the flu vaccine, COVID-19 booster, and pneumococcal vaccine if recommended for your age or health condition.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
• Stay active.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Manage chronic conditions.
• Avoid close contact with unwell people.
• Wear a mask in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.

Yes, COVID-19 can cause a chest infection in some people. The virus primarily affects the respiratory system, and in more severe cases, it can lead to viral pneumonia, a type of chest infection where the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid. This can cause symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma or heart disease are at a higher risk of developing chest infections from COVID-19.

While anyone can get a chest infection, certain groups are at higher risk of developing one, especially more severe or prolonged cases. Here’s who’s most vulnerable:

• Older adults (65+)
• Infants and young children
• People with chronic lung conditions
• Smokers
• Those with weakened immune systems
• People with chronic illnesses
• Unvaccinated individuals
• People exposed to pollutants or toxic fumes

Managing recurrent chest infections involves a combination of preventive care, medical treatment, and lifestyle adjustments. It’s essential to identify and address any underlying causes, such as asthma, COPD, or immune deficiencies with your GP or a specialist. Staying up to date with vaccinations like the flu shot, covid-19 boosters and pneumococcal vaccine can lower your risk. Quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoke, and reducing exposure to pollutants also help protect your lungs. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good hygiene habits strengthen your immune system.

Here’s a self-care guide to help manage a mild chest infection at home:

• Rest as much as possible to help your body fight the infection.
• Stay well-hydrated with water, warm soups, and herbal teas to loosen mucus.
• Use a humidifier or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water to ease chest congestion.
• Take over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage fever, body aches, and chest discomfort.
• Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce coughing at night.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
• Eat light, nourishing meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and immune-boosting nutrients.
• Practise gentle breathing exercises to support lung function and ease tightness.

Online referrals are key to investigating your medical condition further. Hola Health offers online doctor referrals 24/7, within minutes. You can get:

• Pathology referrals
• Radiology referrals
• Specialist referrals
• Blood test referrals
• X-ray referrals.

Through Hola Health’s 24/7 telehealth services, we help patients manage their health conveniently from home, work, or while travelling. Here’s how we can support you:

• Instant online doctor consultations with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs for a range of everyday health concerns.
• Medical certificates online for work, school, university, or carer’s leave, issued within minutes.
• Fast, secure online scripts sent to your phone, ready to pick up at any local pharmacy or delivered to your door.
• GP referrals online for specialists, blood tests, pathology, radiology, and imaging.
• Bulk-billed mental health care plans to help you access Medicare-rebated psychologist and counselling sessions.
• After-hours telehealth appointments when regular clinics are closed.
• Online pharmacy delivery services bringing medications straight to your home for added convenience.