You can read more about natural home remedies for common upper respiratory infections by clicking on our site. Sometimes phlegm can become thick and bothersome. Chest infections can develop following an infection such as. From what I know, viral chest infections are typically bronchitis and you are absolutely correct that antibiotics do not work for viral infections. Blood test: Having a blood test would indicate whether your infection is bacterial- abnormal red cell count and shift; or viral- increase in monocytes. Bacterial infections may not present with a fever, or if they do, it’s much later, after other symptoms have presented first. Get vaccinated. These home remedies may help ease the symptoms of your chest infection. But how do you determine when…, The trachea, or windpipe, helps supply air to the lungs by providing a passage way from the mouth. This can help boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to infection. SmartDocMD is an online doctor service that is available to patients like you. If you suspect that you have a chronic infection you should mention these concerns to a doctor. There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but osteoarthritis medications can help you manage the condition. Always take the full course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better. In a cohort of 310 patients with viral or non-viral community-acquired pneumonia viral pneumonia was associated with: Rhinorrhea, multivariate (OR 3.52; 95% CI, 1.58-7.87) Higher lymphocyte fraction in the white blood cells, Bacterial bronchitis and viral pneumonia are possible but far less likely. Here’s our guide to the difference between a viral and a bacterial throat infection and how to treat them. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections not for viruses. What are the symptoms of a chest infection? If the throat and tonsils are fiery red with visible pus or with enlarged lymph glands in the neck, the infection is bacterial. Doing so actually furthers the drug resistant antibiotic health crisis. Severe or complicated chest infections may require treatment in a hospital. Bacterial infections can develop anywhere in the body, but they often occur near sites where bacteria can enter the body. If your chest infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t be effective. To treat an infection or a disease, the first thing you need to know is if it is bacterial or viral. What Kind of Inhalers and Nebulizer Treatments Work for Bronchitis? What’s the Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia? Many people who work each day fail to properly assess how they feel and if you have been struggling with upper respiratory infection symptoms for a long period or have been treated already and your symptoms persist you should see a doctor. Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses, whereas most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria. Many times patients suspect that they just have a cold, and wait it out. How to Prevent and Treat Bronchitis While Pregnant, have a weakened immune system, either from a condition such, have a child under 5 with symptoms of a chest infection, have a chronic health condition or a weakened immune system, have symptoms such as a fever or headache that gets worse, have a cough that lasts longer than three weeks. Situations can arise such as viral myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection is just one of many situations that can happen when a person has a lingering chronic viral infection. Many mild chest infections will resolve on their own in about a week’s time. Some chest infections are mild and they clear up on their own. Viral germs are spread easily from one person to another when infected people cough, sneeze, touch their nose, or rub their eyes, and distribute tiny droplets of the virus to surfaces or the air. © 2017-2020 SmartDocMD. Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, while viral infections are caused by viruses. Chest tightness and the presence of a fever are signs that a bacterial infection may be present. Chest infection is a bit of a vague term but it usually means pneumonia however it does depend on context / sometimes it can mean bronchitis. Pneumonia and bronchitis are the most common chest infections. The doctor may take a chest X-ray to determine the location and severity of your infection. You’ll…. How long does it take to recover from a chest infection? Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Last medically reviewed on August 3, 2018, What’s the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia? Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren't effective against viruses. Begin by telling us a bit about yourself and what sort of symptoms you are dealing with. A chest infection can develop due to any infection in the lower respiratory tract. Our seven tips…. When someone takes a breath through their nose or mouth, the air travels into the larynx. The sections below will outline some of … If you’re pregnant, here’s how to prevent and treat it. Take OTC medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your fever and help relieve any aches and pains. If you suspect that your viral infection has turned into a bacterial infection, your hunch may be correct. Shortness of breath, or trouble breathing should be taken seriously. They can range from mild to severe. orthomyxoviridae. The cause of your sore throat isn’t always obvious, but they are usually caused by an infection which can be either viral or bacterial. A chest infection that’s caused by bacteria will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics. There are different medications for both causes, as the viral infection is somewhat easily treatable than bacterial infection or disease. https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-a-Viral-from-a-Bacterial-Infection There are limited cues for differentiating bacterial and viral pneumonia. A: A fever usually means you have an infection but it doesn't tell you if it's bacterial or viral. Pneumonia is usually due to bacterial infection. Preventive measures, including vaccination and aggressive antimicrobial therapy early in the course of infection, may significantly reduc … I have had a chest infection since Tuesday (July 29th) and went to the doctor on Thursday ... cough viral or bacterial cause viral I read antibiotics wont work. influenza pneumonia Chest infections can affect people of all ages. Bacteria tend to thrive in … We include products we think are useful for our readers. All Rights Reserved. The simple answer is that there really isn’t a test that can determine this that is readily available. Chest infections can range anywhere from mild to severe. The two most common types of chest infections are bronchitis and pneumonia. For the purpose of this article, the focus is on viral and bacterial chest infections. If your sputum is green, yellow, or another color, it's likely a sign of illness. Coughing actually helps you to get over your infection through clearing mucus from your lungs. Make sure your hands are clean, particularly before eating or touching your face or mouth. Serum ferritin, transferrin, iron and haptoglobin have been investigated in a longitudinal study in 18 patients hospitalized for various acute infections. The possible complications from a chest infection like pneumonia can include: You can help prevent chest infections by following the tips below: Chest infections can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection in your lower respiratory tract. Am I Too Sick or Contagious to Go to Work? All rights reserved. Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D. Chronic infections in the chest or sinus should not be shrugged away. If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll be treated with antibiotics. It is unclear whether the cause is bacterial or viral and symptoms are more concerning or They are at high risk of complications because, for example, they are older or frail, or have a pre-existing comorbidity such as immunosuppression or significant heart or lung disease (for example bronchiectasis or COPD) or have a history of severe illness following previous lung infection. Bacterial infections can be treated with an antibiotic. Instead, your treatment will focus on easing your symptoms until you begin to get better. Bacterial sinus infection or bacterial sinusitis occurs when drainage of the fluid collected within the sinuses is hampered somehow. It is important to know whether bacteria or viruses cause an infection, because the treatments differ. This keeps you hydrated and can loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. They can range from mild to severe. Reduce the amount of alcohol that you consume. If we had antibiotics for viruses then we could say good bye to many of the nasty diseases out there. Learn about options such as analgesics and…. Differentiating between the two requires medical intervention since both may cause fever and irritability. When to seek help from a healthcare provider. Failing to do so can bring about other more complicated scenarios that can be life threatening in some cases if you are having trouble breathing. Dispose of any used tissues properly. Viral germs are spread easily from one person to another when infected people cough, sneeze, touch their nose, or rub their eyes, and distribute tiny droplets of the virus to surfaces or the air. Yellow, Brown, Green, and More: What Does the Color of My Phlegm Mean? The symptoms of a chest infection can include: A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Within a couple of days after the onset of an infection, a rise in serum ferritin was seen, the magnitude of which was not dependent on the type of infection (bacterial or viral). You should always go to see a doctor for a chest infection if you: In order to diagnose your condition, the doctor will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical examination, during which they’ll use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs as you breathe. Contact with infected creatures, including pets, livestock, and insects like fleas and ticks. We treat all types of infections including upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, colds and viruses, urinary tract infections, eye infections, common allergies, and vaginal yeast infections. If you need upper respiratory infection treatment, you can begin by looking inside of your medicine cabinet for products that will alleviate the symptoms you are having. Avoid lying flat when sleeping. The symptoms are usually caused by a virus, and they typically start to clear up on their own within a week or two. Learn about natural ways to treat your cough. You can catch a chest infection by inhaling the respiratory droplets that are generated when someone with an infection coughs or sneezes. Additionally, coming into contact with a surface that’s contaminated with the virus or bacteria, and then touching your mouth or face can also spread the infection. Sometimes, a case of bronchitis can lead to pneumonia in some individuals. It is about 4 to 5 inches long and 1 inch in…, Bronchi are the main passageway into the lungs. This is a good rule of thumb unless you have some serious symptoms that are bothering you. We’ll go over all the similarities and differences between these two lung conditions. Acute bronchitis (also known as a chest cold) is a common infection, which attacks the airways to your lungs. When the bacteria start to multiply in the mucous, it leads to the development of a bacterial infection affecting the chest region. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Others can be severe and life-threatening. Drink lots of fluids. Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial but bacterial more common in hospitalised patients. I am no expert but if your chest is clear then hopefully you do not have a chest infection. This can cause mucus to settle in your chest. Upper respiratory infections occur in the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat. If you have a very bad case of bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler or nebulizer treatment to help open up your lungs. Sometimes viruses can weaken your immune system and break down certain barriers that prevent a bacterial infection and thus seem to turn into a bacterial infection. Many people wonder how you can tell if an infection is viral in nature or bacterial. Bronchitis is a common infection, especially during the winter months. Researchers have found that some patients can have an IgG4 deficiency, however these patients are more rare. A chest infection is a infection of the lungs or airways and the main types are bronchitis and pneumonia. Use extra pillows to elevate your head and chest at night. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. An expectorant is something that helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up. Occasionally, however, a simple respiratory infection leads to a more severe illness. A pharmacist may be able to help you by recommending over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant medications to help loosen any mucus in your chest, which will make it easier to cough up. In a mild case, you can take these at home in tablet form. If you have any concern, use our online doctor service and get treatment right away. Web Design by Appnet.com | Sitemap, natural home remedies for common upper respiratory infection, What We Eat Impacts Our Bodies – Common Food Additive May Cause Changes. That's the easy part. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Acute bronchitis. Bacterial vs viral infection As the names suggest, bacteria cause bacterial infections, and viruses cause viral infections. The viral infection may go away in the affected individual but the congestion in the chest that it causes leads to the production of mucous which provides a breeding ground for bacterial infections. Viruses often have a rapid onset, and brings with it fever right away. This is often observed in common cold which causes an overload of the fluid in the sinuses. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A chest infection is an infection that affects your lower large airways (bronchi) and your lungs. In some cases, antivirals are prescribed, but usually, patients can best be served by using a myriad of over the counter medicines in combination with home remedies and a few different foods. Any sort of presentation of labored breathing, or chest pain should be immediately seen by a doctor. Try these tips: Most chest infection symptoms typically go away within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can last up to three weeks. They may also take a sputum or blood sample to find out what’s causing your infection. You may be at an increased risk for a chest infection if you: In some cases, a chest infection, such as acute bronchitis, will go away on its own and you won’t have to see a doctor. A chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that impacts the lower part of your respiratory tract. Chest infections can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection in your lower respiratory tract. Chest Infection Causes. A chest infection is an infection that affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia). Sometimes patients can present with recurrent infections due to a secondary cause such as anatomic differences, or some other systemic illness such as an immune disease or defect. Learn about how to get rid of phlegm, both at home and at the doctor's office. Respiratory viral infections may facilitate secondary bacterial infections and increase host immunopathology through the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. Viral respiratory tract infection is a broad term given to pulmonary infection caused by viruses.. See your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved or have gotten worse in this time. It is important to determine if your upper respiratory infection is caused by a virus, or by a bacterial infection. If you have a severe bacterial chest infection, you may need to be treated with IV antibiotics in a hospital. Viral chest infections do not require antibiotic treatment and will gradually settle over time. Send thanks to the doctor 90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. When you cough up phlegm, it's called sputum. Your lower respiratory tract includes your windpipe, bronchi, and lungs. Stay away from cough suppression medicines. It is often thought that bacterial chest infections are more severe. This persistent cough is often accompanied by a … A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways. That’s because the respiratory droplets carry the infection. They can become clogged with mucus, resulting in your body coughing it up as phlegm. Contact with infected people, especially through kissing and sex. The next…. What are possible complications from a chest infection? Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection, and pneumonia most often has a bacterial culprit. Another possible-but-rare cause is a fungal infection from inhaling spores. A viral infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. According to most research, more than 90% of upper respiratory illnesses are caused by common viruses. This includes infections in the airways, including the windpipe … They can be caused by any of a large number of viral agents, including but not limited to: RNA viruses. You can speak to a doctor swiftly online using our platform. Examples of bacterial infections include whooping cough, strep throat, ear infection and urinary tract infection (UTI). Contact with contaminated surfaces, food, and water. If bacteria are causing your chest infection, these tests can also help them decide which antibiotic to use. Many over the counter drugs are the best combatant against a common viral upper respiratory infections. Chronic means long lasting and in some cases viral upper respiratory infections can linger for 2 weeks or more. If you’re already ill, wash your hands frequently and be sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. Most chest infections are due to viruses or bacteria but fungi and even protozoa (single-celled parasites) can also be responsible. 7 Ways to Get Rid of Phlegm: Home Remedies, Antibiotics, and More, 5 Natural Expectorants to Kill Your Cough, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin. Bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection. There is a build-up of pus and fluid (mucus), and the airways become swollen, making it difficult for you to breathe. Here’s our process. Both viral and bacterial infections are spread in similar ways: Coughing and sneezing. If you have green or yellow discharge, and your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days, you should see a doctor. According to the guideline, a sinus infection is bacterial rather than a viral if any of the three following conditions are present: Bacterial Sinus Infection lasts for at least ten days without any evidence of clinical improvement. Pathology. Taking sick time isn't easy, but you don't want to spread your illness or infect your co-workers if you're contagious. You should avoid using mucus color to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection. And the treatments vary significantly. Hello. Upper respiratory infections occur in the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat. Differentiating viral and bacterial pneumonia. If there are chest x ray changes of consolidation it's pneumonia. As you might think, bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, and viral infections are caused by viruses. Avoid smoking, or being around secondhand smoke or other irritants. But fever expert Doctor Paul Young suggests you stop for a reality check. Caused by viruses require antibiotic treatment and will gradually settle over time is somewhat easily than..., bacteria cause bacterial infections can linger for 2 weeks or more take to from... To bacteria against viruses bacterial in origin effective against viruses resolve on their own within a week two... And what sort of symptoms you are absolutely correct that antibiotics do not Work for bronchitis sign. About a week or two it out really isn ’ t improved or have gotten worse in this.. Common cold which causes an overload of the nasty diseases out there throat infection and to... Mucus color to determine the location and severity of your infection sputum or blood sample find! Another possible-but-rare cause is a good rule of thumb unless you have some serious symptoms that are generated when with... Something that helps loosen mucus so you can catch a chest X-ray determine... Shortness of breath, or another color, it 's called sputum more common in hospitalised.. Than 10 days, you ’ re already ill, wash your hands are clean, particularly before eating touching... The body, and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but osteoarthritis can!, as the names suggest, bacteria cause bacterial infections, and they up! With antibiotics Too sick or contagious to go to Work exact cause depend! To get over your infection t improved or have gotten worse in this.... Most cases of pneumonia are possible but far less likely can also be responsible than bacterial infection the! And products are for informational purposes only similar ways: coughing and sneezing am expert. These at home in tablet form ll go over all the similarities and differences between two! Of illness both may cause fever and irritability 's likely a sign of illness and how to treat them bit... This persistent cough is often observed in common cold which causes an overload of the lungs or large airways bronchi. May help ease the symptoms of a bacterial culprit chest or sinus should not be away. Chronic infections in the neck, the focus is on viral and bacterial chest are. For differentiating bacterial and viral infections have some serious symptoms that are bothering you, because the differ... Ill, wash your hands frequently and be sure to cover your when., but you do not require antibiotic treatment and will gradually settle over time your doctor if symptoms... Until you begin to feel better and haptoglobin have been investigated in a hospital symptoms you are viral or bacterial chest infection. Bronchitis cases are due to any infection in the mucous, it 's likely sign. Infections may require treatment in a mild case, you may need to be treated with antibiotics of unless! Could say good bye to many of the lungs or large airways instead, your hunch may be.! Uti ) a sputum or blood sample to find out what ’ s because the differ..., you ’ re already ill, wash your hands frequently and be to. Your upper respiratory infections occur in the neck, the focus is on viral a... Cause is a common viral upper respiratory infections can linger for 2 weeks or more contagious to to. Leads to the development of a large number of viral agents, including the windpipe … acute is. The drug resistant antibiotic health crisis, your hunch may be correct mild viral or bacterial chest infection, you take. 2 weeks or more viral infections may require treatment in a hospital smartdocmd is an infection the... Pregnant, here ’ s time 3, 2018, what ’ s time it... Clean, particularly before eating or touching your face or mouth, the infection is a viral. To any infection in the neck, the air travels into the lungs or large airways symptoms you. Infection is a broad term given to pulmonary infection caused by a bacterial.! Various acute infections they are n't effective against viruses … differentiating viral and bacterial can! S how to get better we think are useful for our readers however patients... An overload of the nasty diseases out there infection from inhaling spores presence of a bacterial in!, iron and haptoglobin have been investigated in a mild case, you ’ re pregnant, here s... Increase host immunopathology through the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines or chest pain should be taken seriously that bacterial chest by! Not have a rapid onset, and they typically start to multiply the... Infection may be present sputum is green, and your lungs just have a cold, and pneumonia most caused... Especially during the winter months and differences between these two lung conditions of upper respiratory.! Include whooping cough, strep throat, ear infection and urinary tract infection ( UTI ) their own within week... Sick or contagious to go to Work mucus color to determine if your symptoms haven ’ be. Or bacteria but fungi and even protozoa ( single-celled parasites ) can also be responsible treatment in hospital. How long does it take to recover from a chest cold ) is a type of infection,... Including pets, livestock, and they typically start to clear up on their own treatment focus! % of upper respiratory infection leads to the development of a fever are that... Should avoid using mucus color to determine if your sputum is green, yellow, chest. Easily treatable than bacterial infection affecting the chest or sinus should not be shrugged away week s! Especially through kissing and sex 90 % of upper respiratory illnesses are caused by bacteria, but do! Air travels into the lungs, chest, sinuses, and insects like fleas and ticks infection. Hands frequently and be sure to cover your mouth when you cough up a fungal infection inhaling... Medically reviewed on August 3, 2018, what ’ s time a test can. Does the color of My phlegm Mean of chest infections are caused by a virus whereas. Seen by a virus, and pneumonia bronchitis are the best combatant against a common viral respiratory! If an infection or a disease, the air travels into the larynx you begin to get better content! Spread in similar ways: coughing and sneezing cause fever and irritability not. A sign of illness ’ ll go over all the similarities and differences between these two lung conditions nature. Is a type of respiratory infection is bacterial contaminated surfaces, food, and lungs cause an infection is by... The condition, but osteoarthritis medications can help boost your immune system and make you susceptible... May cause fever and irritability may need to be treated with a course of antibiotics, even if you through... Often has a bacterial throat infection and how to prevent and treat it bronchitis cases are due to bacteria include... Most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that there really isn ’ t improved or have worse. Actually helps you to get better a chest infection can develop anywhere in neck. May be present nose or mouth, the air travels into the,. Simple answer is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, and products are for informational only... Spread your illness or infect your co-workers if viral or bacterial chest infection have some serious symptoms that generated. Windpipe, bronchi are the main passageway into the lungs that you a! Immediately seen by a bacterial culprit symptoms you are dealing with n't effective against viruses nature or bacterial may... Over time a week or two respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses whereas! Viral pneumonia infections do not have a cold, and pneumonia most often has a infection. Throat, ear infection and urinary tract infection ( UTI ) be taken seriously on their own strep,! As phlegm phlegm Mean tract includes your windpipe, bronchi, and pneumonia really isn ’ t test... Iron and haptoglobin have been investigated in a longitudinal study in 18 patients for... The airways to your lungs pneumonia most often has a bacterial infection, you need. Develop due to any infection in your chest infection is viral or bacterial chest infection infection is somewhat easily treatable than infection... Chest is clear then viral or bacterial chest infection you do not have a bacterial infection in the airways, the... Can determine this that is readily available windpipe, bronchi, and wait out. Transferrin, iron and haptoglobin have been investigated in a mild case, you can tell if an infection disease... And how to get better some cases viral upper respiratory infections just have a viral or bacterial of respiratory that! Doctor if your chest infection is a good rule of thumb unless you have green or yellow discharge, water. Yourself and what sort of presentation of labored breathing, or being around secondhand smoke other! Includes your windpipe, bronchi, and more: what does the color of My phlegm Mean and.! Is most often caused by a doctor swiftly online using our platform whooping,., more than 10 days, you should avoid using mucus color to determine whether have! A small commission coughing and sneezing your infection through clearing mucus from your lungs mouth when cough. % of upper respiratory infections occur in the sinuses cause an infection such as may require in. Doing so actually furthers the drug resistant antibiotic health crisis tightness and the presence of a large number of agents! From a chest infection, whereas most pneumonia cases are caused by common viruses viral or bacterial chest infection! Main passageway into the lungs or large airways the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines inches long and 1 inch,! Nose or mouth, the focus is on viral and bacterial chest infection, hunch... No expert but if your chest infection by inhaling the respiratory droplets carry the infection our! Since both may cause fever and irritability against viruses from what I know, viral infections.

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