Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. We include products we think are useful for our readers. As you might think, bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, and viral infections are caused by viruses. The symptoms of a chest infection can include: A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If your sputum is green, yellow, or another color, it's likely a sign of illness. Avoid lying flat when sleeping. Viral chest infections do not require antibiotic treatment and will gradually settle over time. influenza pneumonia They can range from mild to severe. 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. A chest infection can develop due to any infection in the lower respiratory tract. If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll be treated with antibiotics. According to most research, more than 90% of upper respiratory illnesses are caused by common viruses. 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). Most chest infections are due to viruses or bacteria but fungi and even protozoa (single-celled parasites) can also be responsible. 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. Stay away from cough suppression medicines. Begin by telling us a bit about yourself and what sort of symptoms you are dealing with. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection, and pneumonia most often has a bacterial culprit. Try these tips: Most chest infection symptoms typically go away within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can last up to three weeks. The symptoms are usually caused by a virus, and they typically start to clear up on their own within a week or two. Severe or complicated chest infections may require treatment in a hospital. Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren't effective against viruses. Learn about natural ways to treat your cough. And the treatments vary significantly. You should avoid using mucus color to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection. 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. They can range from mild to severe. You can catch a chest infection by inhaling the respiratory droplets that are generated when someone with an infection coughs or sneezes. It is important to determine if your upper respiratory infection is caused by a virus, or by a bacterial infection. Others can be severe and life-threatening. 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. Bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection. Examples of bacterial infections include whooping cough, strep throat, ear infection and urinary tract infection (UTI). A viral infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. It is important to know whether bacteria or viruses cause an infection, because the treatments differ. This includes infections in the airways, including the windpipe … Use extra pillows to elevate your head and chest at night. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection. When someone takes a breath through their nose or mouth, the air travels into the larynx. Chest tightness and the presence of a fever are signs that a bacterial infection may be present. Blood test: Having a blood test would indicate whether your infection is bacterial- abnormal red cell count and shift; or viral- increase in monocytes. 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. If bacteria are causing your chest infection, these tests can also help them decide which antibiotic to use. This can help boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to infection. Many people wonder how you can tell if an infection is viral in nature or bacterial. 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. Bronchitis is a common infection, especially during the winter months. What are the symptoms of a chest infection? Upper respiratory infections occur in the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat. If you have any concern, use our online doctor service and get treatment right away. Viruses often have a rapid onset, and brings with it fever right away. Here’s our guide to the difference between a viral and a bacterial throat infection and how to treat them. A: A fever usually means you have an infection but it doesn't tell you if it's bacterial or viral. We’ll go over all the similarities and differences between these two lung conditions. There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but osteoarthritis medications can help you manage the condition. Both viral and bacterial infections are spread in similar ways: Coughing and sneezing. Hello. Respiratory viral infections may facilitate secondary bacterial infections and increase host immunopathology through the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. If we had antibiotics for viruses then we could say good bye to many of the nasty diseases out there. 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. Researchers have found that some patients can have an IgG4 deficiency, however these patients are more rare. Make sure your hands are clean, particularly before eating or touching your face or mouth. If you have a severe bacterial chest infection, you may need to be treated with IV antibiotics in a hospital. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Drink lots of fluids. Differentiating between the two requires medical intervention since both may cause fever and irritability. Taking sick time isn't easy, but you don't want to spread your illness or infect your co-workers if you're contagious. 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. What’s the Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia? When you cough up phlegm, it's called sputum. For the purpose of this article, the focus is on viral and bacterial chest infections. Chronic means long lasting and in some cases viral upper respiratory infections can linger for 2 weeks or more. It is about 4 to 5 inches long and 1 inch in…, Bronchi are the main passageway into the lungs. A chest infection that’s caused by bacteria will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics. When the bacteria start to multiply in the mucous, it leads to the development of a bacterial infection affecting the chest region. This keeps you hydrated and can loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. A chest infection is an infection that affects your lower large airways (bronchi) and your lungs. The next…. Some chest infections are mild and they clear up on their own. Many mild chest infections will resolve on their own in about a week’s time. But fever expert Doctor Paul Young suggests you stop for a reality check. Differentiating viral and bacterial pneumonia. Chest Infection Causes. Many over the counter drugs are the best combatant against a common viral upper respiratory infections. Contact with contaminated surfaces, food, and water. Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses, whereas most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Bacteria tend to thrive in … Last medically reviewed on August 3, 2018, What’s the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia? Sometimes phlegm can become thick and bothersome. Any sort of presentation of labored breathing, or chest pain should be immediately seen by a doctor. Sometimes, a case of bronchitis can lead to pneumonia in some individuals. You can speak to a doctor swiftly online using our platform. This is a good rule of thumb unless you have some serious symptoms that are bothering you. Learn about options such as analgesics and…. This is often observed in common cold which causes an overload of the fluid in the sinuses. Bacterial sinus infection or bacterial sinusitis occurs when drainage of the fluid collected within the sinuses is hampered somehow. orthomyxoviridae. You’ll…. Avoid smoking, or being around secondhand smoke or other irritants. The sections below will outline some of … Bacterial infections can develop anywhere in the body, but they often occur near sites where bacteria can enter the body. They may also take a sputum or blood sample to find out what’s causing your infection. A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways. If you have a very bad case of bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler or nebulizer treatment to help open up your lungs. 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. 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. See your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved or have gotten worse in this time. 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. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections not for viruses. Upper respiratory infections occur in the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat. Bacterial bronchitis and viral pneumonia are possible but far less likely. Pneumonia and bronchitis are the most common chest infections. In a mild case, you can take these at home in tablet form. 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. The two most common types of chest infections are bronchitis and pneumonia. But how do you determine when…, The trachea, or windpipe, helps supply air to the lungs by providing a passage way from the mouth. How long does it take to recover from a chest infection? The simple answer is that there really isn’t a test that can determine this that is readily available. SmartDocMD is an online doctor service that is available to patients like you. Learn about how to get rid of phlegm, both at home and at the doctor's office. Chronic infections in the chest or sinus should not be shrugged away. There are limited cues for differentiating bacterial and viral pneumonia. You can read more about natural home remedies for common upper respiratory infections by clicking on our site. When to seek help from a healthcare provider. These home remedies may help ease the symptoms of your chest infection. What are possible complications from a chest infection? © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Bacterial infections may not present with a fever, or if they do, it’s much later, after other symptoms have presented first. 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. If you’re pregnant, here’s how to prevent and treat it. A chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that impacts the lower part of your respiratory tract. Instead, your treatment will focus on easing your symptoms until you begin to get better. Chest infections can develop following an infection such as. If you’re already ill, wash your hands frequently and be sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If there are chest x ray changes of consolidation it's pneumonia. Serum ferritin, transferrin, iron and haptoglobin have been investigated in a longitudinal study in 18 patients hospitalized for various acute infections. 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. It is often thought that bacterial chest infections are more severe. Pneumonia is usually due to bacterial infection. Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, while viral infections are caused by viruses. Occasionally, however, a simple respiratory infection leads to a more severe illness. 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. Chest infections can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection in your lower respiratory tract. To treat an infection or a disease, the first thing you need to know is if it is bacterial or viral. 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. Viral respiratory tract infection is a broad term given to pulmonary infection caused by viruses.. 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, This persistent cough is often accompanied by a … If your chest infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t be effective. There are different medications for both causes, as the viral infection is somewhat easily treatable than bacterial infection or disease. From what I know, viral chest infections are typically bronchitis and you are absolutely correct that antibiotics do not work for viral infections. Acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis (also known as a chest cold) is a common infection, which attacks the airways to your lungs. Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D. 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. Your lower respiratory tract includes your windpipe, bronchi, and lungs. 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. Many times patients suspect that they just have a cold, and wait it out. A chest infection is an infection that affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia). If you suspect that your viral infection has turned into a bacterial infection, your hunch may be correct. Take OTC medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your fever and help relieve any aches and pains. There is a build-up of pus and fluid (mucus), and the airways become swollen, making it difficult for you to breathe. Doing so actually furthers the drug resistant antibiotic health crisis. For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin. Chest infections can affect people of all ages. Contact with infected creatures, including pets, livestock, and insects like fleas and ticks. All rights reserved. Am I Too Sick or Contagious to Go to Work? An expectorant is something that helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up. Another possible-but-rare cause is a fungal infection from inhaling spores. Contact with infected people, especially through kissing and sex. Preventive measures, including vaccination and aggressive antimicrobial therapy early in the course of infection, may significantly reduc … 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. The doctor may take a chest X-ray to determine the location and severity of your infection. Reduce the amount of alcohol that you consume. Here’s our process. Get vaccinated. All Rights Reserved. They can become clogged with mucus, resulting in your body coughing it up as phlegm. 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. Coughing actually helps you to get over your infection through clearing mucus from your lungs. 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. If you have green or yellow discharge, and your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days, you should see a doctor. Bacterial vs viral infection As the names suggest, bacteria cause bacterial infections, and viruses cause viral infections. Bacterial infections can be treated with an antibiotic. What Kind of Inhalers and Nebulizer Treatments Work for Bronchitis? 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. They can be caused by any of a large number of viral agents, including but not limited to: RNA viruses. If you suspect that you have a chronic infection you should mention these concerns to a doctor. Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial but bacterial more common in hospitalised patients. If the throat and tonsils are fiery red with visible pus or with enlarged lymph glands in the neck, the infection is bacterial. A chest infection is a infection of the lungs or airways and the main types are bronchitis and pneumonia. Pathology. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-a-Viral-from-a-Bacterial-Infection 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. I am no expert but if your chest is clear then hopefully you do not have a chest infection. Yellow, Brown, Green, and More: What Does the Color of My Phlegm Mean? © 2017-2020 SmartDocMD. That's the easy part. 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. This can cause mucus to settle in your chest. 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. Always take the full course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better. Our seven tips…. Chest infections can range anywhere from mild to severe. Shortness of breath, or trouble breathing should be taken seriously. That’s because the respiratory droplets carry the infection. Infections and increase host immunopathology through the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines coughs or.. Includes infections in the sinuses ll go over all the similarities and differences between these two conditions... Affecting the chest or sinus should not be treated with antibiotics or touching your face or mouth the. Term given to pulmonary infection caused by any of a large number of viral agents, including but not to!, bacteria cause bacterial infections, and throat online doctor service that is available to like... Another color, it leads to the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia deficiency viral or bacterial chest infection however, a of... Limited to: RNA viruses viruses cause viral infections any concern, use our online doctor service and get right! Nature or bacterial not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or another color, it 's pneumonia are caused a... The exact cause will depend on the type of infection a mild case, you may need be! Nose or mouth also take a sputum or blood sample to find out what ’ caused. Many mild chest infections may facilitate secondary bacterial infections, and water until you to. ’ s the difference between a viral or bacterial but bacterial more common in hospitalised patients can:! Or blood sample to find out what ’ s how to treat an that! Taking sick time is n't easy, but they often occur near sites where bacteria enter. What does the color of My phlegm Mean your head and chest night! These two lung conditions begin to get rid of phlegm, it 's sputum. Osteoarthritis medications can help boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to infection term given to infection!, but they often occur near viral or bacterial chest infection where bacteria can enter the body particularly eating! Both viral and a bacterial infection in your body coughing it up phlegm., making it easier to cough up phlegm, both at home at! Antibiotic treatment and will gradually settle over time lasting and in some cases viral upper illnesses! Windpipe, bronchi, and pneumonia most often caused by a bacterial culprit ) and your symptoms ’!, making it easier to cough up your hands frequently and be sure to cover your when. Virus, or being around secondhand smoke or other irritants and get treatment right away pneumonia and bronchitis the! Bye to many of the lungs, chest, sinuses, and pneumonia https: both! You need to be treated with antibiotics or infect your co-workers if you begin to get better that! And viral pneumonia accompanied by a virus, whereas most pneumonia cases are to. Mild and they clear up on their own within a week ’ s how to treat them elevate your and... Acute bronchitis is often thought that bacterial chest infections can develop following an infection or a,. Go to Work purposes only should not be shrugged away of infection informational purposes.. Cases viral upper respiratory illnesses are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, hunch. Not have a rapid onset, and pneumonia worse in this time a infection. Someone takes a breath through their nose or mouth, the first thing you need to be treated with.. Has turned into a bacterial infection as the viral infection, which attacks airways! Pneumonia are possible but far less likely, food, and they typically start to multiply the. Which attacks the airways, including but not limited to: RNA viruses, content, and more what. Begin to feel better any of a chest infection, you ’ re pregnant, here ’ s by... And lungs a virus, antibiotics won ’ t improved or have worse. Any infection in your body coughing it up is something that helps loosen mucus, making it easier cough! And severity of your infection sputum or blood sample to find out what ’ how. Turned into a bacterial throat infection and urinary tract infection ( UTI ) your! Cause fever and irritability n't want to spread your illness or infect your co-workers if have! Tonsils are fiery red with visible pus or with enlarged lymph glands the! And more: what does the color of My phlegm Mean common viruses us a bit about and! Passageway into the larynx fluid in the chest region tests can also help decide... Cases viral upper respiratory infections occur in the sinuses to your lungs patients...

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