A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

CHEST INFECTION

What is a Chest Infection ?

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), pneumonia and pleurisy are all infections of the lung. The bronchi are series of branching tubes, which carry air from the main windpipe (trachea) to the lung tissues. Here, oxygen gets absorbed into the bloodstream. Each lung is completely surrounded by two thin layers of lining called the pleura and is subdivided into smaller parts, called lobes. Infection can occur at any point sometimes at all points along the route from windpipe to the lung tissues. When it is in the larger bronchi, it is called bronchitis. When it involves the smallest tubes and the tissues surrounding them it is called bronchopneumonia. When a whole segment (lobe) of lung is infected this is called lobar pneumonia. If the lining of the lung also becomes infected, pleurisy has occurred. Cough, fever, chest pain and breathlessness are the typical symptoms of these conditions, but not all of them need occur together and there may be only one or two of them.

How does a Chest Infection occur ?

There are many germs (or microbes) which may cause lung infections. The two most important types are viruses and bacteria. Most commonly the infecting germ is inhaled, and multiplies in the lining of the bronchi, spreading the infection further down the tubes, or into the tissues themselves. The spreading infection may not be caused by the germ, which is inhaled, but by growth of other germs already present in the lungs in small numbers. This is called secondary infection, and occurs because the conditions are right for a germ, which is usually harmless to cause problems. Sometimes the infection comes as part of a generalized infection, which affects the whole body. A common example of this is pneumonia as a complication of influenza.

Why does a Chest Infection occur ?

Lung infections are so common, and occur for so many different reasons, that it is not always possible to say why a particular infection occurred. The presence of other disease increases the risk of developing these infections. People with other lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and cystic fibrosis, are all more prone to lung infections. Also, people whose resistance is generally low, such as those with chronic disease such as heart failure, diabetes or cancer are more likely to develop any of these infections. The elderly, especially those who cannot move around normally (for example, because of bad arthritis or a stroke), are very susceptible to infections. This is why influenza can be such a dangerous infection in the elderly. People who smoke regularly are much more likely to suffer from repeated infections than non-smokers are. This is because cigarette smoke damages the lining of the bronchi, reducing the resistance of the lungs to infection. Some of the less common lung infections may come from the environment, in which we live or work. Legionnaires' disease a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria found in certain water supplies is an important example. Psittacosis is another type of lung infection due to a germ, which has been transferred from certain domestic birds (especially budgerigars).

Treatment Involved for a Chest Infection

The most effective weapons available for treating bacterial lung infections are antibiotics. However, viruses do not respond to antibiotic treatment. so the body's own defences are the main way of fighting virus infections. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have an infection. This helps to reduce fever and prevent dehydration. Anti-viral drugs increasingly are becoming available, but at present are effective only against a few of the many kinds of viruses responsible for respiratory infections. For infections caused by bacteria and these are the majority the right antibiotic will help the body to overcome the infection. Some bacteria do not respond to certain antibiotics, and it is not always easy to be sure of choosing the right antibiotic in the early stages of an infection. Usually antibiotics are given as tablets or medicine, but for more severe infections, they may need to be given by injection. Some people tend to stop antibiotics as soon as they feel better. This is not good practice. Always complete the full course prescribed by the doctor, this may avoid a relapse. Occasionally, when the infection is severe, particularly with pneumonia, oxygen can be life saving. Pneumonia and pleurisy can be very painful conditions, and painkilling treatment may need to be given.

During Treatment for a Chest Infection

Usually, with treatment of infections, the main symptoms, cough with sputum, breathlessness and pains in the chest, will improve gradually. Any worsening of symptoms is important, since it may indicate that the infection is spreading. You should inform your doctor if this happens. Blood tests, chest x-rays and analysis (culture) of the sputum are sometimes done, particularly in severe cases. This may help the doctor to change to a better antibiotic if the first course has not been as effective as expected.

After Treatment of a Chest Infection

If there are no other illnesses complicating or causing the infection, full recovery is the rule. It is reasonable to expect to return gradually to normal activities. Still, it may take several weeks to feel perfectly well again. It is not unusual to continue to cough for many weeks after a chest infection. This does not require any extra treatment and will settle. If you continue to feel unwell or have breathing difficulty, the doctor must be told: the lung may be affected by some other condition, and may need further tests.

If a Chest Infection is Left Untreated

Many people get over lung infections without consulting the doctor, and without treatment. However, if there are other illnesses present, or if the infection is causing serious symptoms, such as high fever, breathlessness or chest pains, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

Effects on Family of a Chest Infection

Some conditions, such as influenza and tuberculosis, are highly infectious. Your doctor may need to examine or even treat members of the same family or household to prevent spread of certain infections. Smoking in the same room or house as someone with a lung infection is very thoughtless, and will probably worsen their condition. This is particularly true when children are suffering from lung infections.