The coronavirus has largely dominated the media headlines regarding serious illness. Everyone around the world has understandably had concerns for over two years.
However, it was recently reported that flu and pneumonia deaths were higher than covid-related fatalities. Therefore, it’s worth re-examining one’s perception of chest infections, which can often cause or be a symptom of other deadly illnesses.
Not every question you have needs to be innovative and left-field, either. When it comes to health and well-being, it’s important to keep things straightforward for the betterment of all.
Therefore, here are some answers to people’s common questions about chest infections.
Do I Have a Chest Infection?
There’s plenty of misinformation online when it comes to medical concerns. Worried sufferers can read one line of symptoms in a blog and assume the end is nigh.
It’s important to deal with the facts only. You likely have a chest infection if:
- You have anterior chest pain and a sore throat when coughing.
- You have symptoms of sinusitis, including but not limited to headaches, a blocked nose, and producing more yellow or green mucus.
- You’re struggling to breathe.
- You experience fatigue and muscle aches.
- Your heart is beating faster.
- You also have a fever.
- You suspect that home remedies are not quite as potent as you hoped.
Chest infections take a lot out of the person suffering them and amount to more than just a cough. Monitor your symptoms closely. Keep a record of any changes.
What Can a Chest Infection Lead to?
A chest infection is just the beginning of a rather sordid affair in the worst cases. It can lead to more serious complications if the infection spreads to your lungs.
As mentioned previously, chest infections can be a symptom and cause of pneumonia, so it’s worth learning more about pneumonia and its symptoms to help you correctly understand what’s potentially at stake. It’s also important to understand the differences between chest infections and pneumonia to avoid any unnecessary hysteria in yourself and those around you.
Chest infections can also lead to bronchitis. This is typically caused by viral infections, while pneumonia often pertains to a bacterial infection. The unfortunate few can suffer from both simultaneously in what’s called bronchopneumonia too. Symptoms can vary in severity, but the worst can be difficulties with breathing due to constricted airways.
Even if a chest infection isn’t currently pneumonia, it’s still vital that you get your rest and seek effective treatment at the earliest opportunity. They can cause confusion or instance, and being disorientated can be dangerous in many different contexts. Refrain from exacerbating the issue or, indeed, fearing the worst. Focus on recovery, irrespective of how good or bad your infection appears to be.
Are Repeated Chest Infections Common?
Repeated chest infections should be a cause for concern. Ideally, should you be unfortunate enough to get one, the situation should not present itself again for some time.
Should another chest infection promptly come along, it can be a symptom of more complicated issues. Typically, these can be things like immune and vitamin deficiencies. You’ll need to get to the crux of those matters fast, given how important both are in governing your health and well-being.
Once again, chart the changes and circumstances and present your findings to your GP at the most immediate juncture. They will get to the cause of the recurring nature of any recurring chest infection and provide treatment and guidance in mitigating the problem.
Has Covid Made Things Worse?
Coronavirus on its own was bad enough to deal with. Pairing it with other conditions simultaneously can exacerbate matters yet further.
Perhaps unexpectedly, covid has played another role in influencing how bad a chest infection can be. For example, the lockdowns meant that children weren’t exposed to other types of bacteria, and therefore their immune systems weakened as a consequence. Ultimately, these factors led to a surge in respiratory infections as a result.
Herd immunity was an unpopular strategy when it came to tackling the coronavirus. However, one needs a better immune system to stave off further threats, such as chest infections. If you have young kids or have largely removed yourself from others’ company in recent times, these situations may be worth further researching.
Who Is Most at Risk?
In addition to those affected by covid, other groups in society are at greater risk of chest infections. Even if you don’t fall into one of these demographics yourself, it’s important to keep them in mind lest you look after someone more susceptible to chest infections.
Those who fall into a high-risk category include:
- Vulnerable children and babies, especially those with developmental disorders.
- People with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
- People with unhealthy lifestyles, particularly those who smoke or are overweight.
- Pregnant women.
Be mindful of how some situations can merge into an even deadlier mixture, so don’t anticipate dealing with each risk factor one at a time in yourself or others. There’s plenty of room for crossover to make things worse, so diligence in managing a chest infection is crucial.
Do I Need to See a GP?
It’s often a good idea to see a GP if you have any concerns about your health. After all, it’s better to be safe and sorry.
That said, you don’t typically need to see a GP with a chest infection unless it’s persistent or causing you great discomfort. If it’s lasted more than three weeks, or you have started to cough up blood, then seeing a healthcare professional is also advised.
Should you visit a GP, you can expect them to use a stethoscope to diagnose your condition. They may also take blood and phlegm samples, conduct breathing tests, or advise you to take a chest X-ray to gain more accurate insights into your symptoms. You’ll likely also be prescribed antibiotics for treatment.
It’s worth being considerate with your doctor’s appointments. It was only last year that GPs were almost overwhelmed by patients, so try only to see them if your chest infection affects you in the ways described above or if you have deep concerns about your health.
How Can I Make Myself Feel Better?
You shouldn’t resign yourself to a chest infection because a GP visit may not always be strictly necessary. You can do many things at home that can help you recover and ease you into a greater sense of comfort.
It’s important to prevent dehydration and to drink lots of water. Mucus will then be easier to expel from your system, loosening it in your lungs. A warm mixture of lemon and honey can also ease a sore throat, which you may likely have if you’ve spent a considerable amount of time coughing. Keep drinking.
Revisit your sleeping routine to minimise disruption caused by your chest infection. Go to bed a little earlier to be certain you’re getting plenty of rest. Sleep on your back and slightly elevate your position with an extra pillow or two. This will make breathing much easier and thus make retiring a much less taxing ordeal. Remember, rest plays a huge role in recovering from any illness or injury.
Kick any bad habits mentioned higher up in the article, such as smoking and eating junk food. Go for a walk and get plenty of fresh air. You could also invest in a humidifier, ensuring every gulp of air is fresh and clean. Try not to lose sight of other aspects of your health.
