Bacterial Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Chest Infection Or 'silent Killer'? GP Issues Urgent Warning Over 4 Signs Your 'bug' Might Be More Sinister
CHEST infections are not out of the norm for this time of year - but sometimes the symptoms could be a sign of something more sinister.
The NHS estimates one in five people will get a cough this winter, with cold, flu and chest infections in high circulation.
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Chest infections can develop after having a cold or flu, and most the time clear up within a few weeksCredit: Getty3
A long-term chesty cough could be a sign of a more serious conditionCredit: GettyA chesty cough that lingers with green or yellow phlegm can usually be attributed to a chest infection.
Other symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and discomfort, aching muscles, a headache, tiredness, and a high temperature (38˚C or above).
Someone with a chest infection will typically feel unwell for up to 10 days and might need antibiotics, but they should normally begin to feel better after three weeks.
But GP Andy Whittamore, who's also clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, warned some people are mistakenly told they have a chest infection when their symptoms could be pointing to something potentially more serious.
Read more on winter illnessesHe explained: "A chest infection occurs most commonly when the lungs become infected with either a respiratory virus or a bacterial infection, and they are far more likely to occur in winter when flu and colds are rife.
"Sometimes people are mistakenly told they have a chest infection when, in fact, their symptoms are more aligned to an upper respiratory tract infection [infections of parts of the body involved in breathing]."
Dr Whittamore added the colder air also weakens the immune system and can trigger asthma attacks and flare-ups of other lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis.
He said: "In patients with asthma and COPD or other lung conditions, an exacerbation of symptoms might be misdiagnosed as a chest infection.
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The 5 common meds that 'raise dementia risk' including for hay fever and anxiety"Equally, these patients might be displaying signs of an underlying lung condition that has not yet been picked up."
COPD is a common lung disease that causes restricted airflow and breathing problems, and it's often described as a 'silent killer' because most patients are asymptomatic in the early stages.
I'm a doctor and these 5 changes could be a sign of deadly lung cancerThere are four main symptoms to look out for:
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways of the lungs to widen and thicken, making it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs.
Deadly pneumonia riskIn some cases a chest infection can develop into pneumonia, which may require hospital admission.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Dr Whittamore advised: "Common symptoms of pneumonia are a cough, difficulty breathing, a high temperature, chest pain, and loss of appetite."
Most people get better in two to four weeks, but babies, older people and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill.
Chest infection or lung cancer?Some symptoms of chest infections and lung cancer are similar, such as coughing and shortness of breath.
But one of the distinctive differences is someone with lung cancer may start to cough up blood, said Dr Whittamore.
Other signs that can accompany this are fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
Dr Whittamore said: "The problem is that, initially at least, some of the symptoms of lung cancer can mimic other illnesses or infections but the best course of action is to speak to your GP if you are concerned about your breathing and other symptoms that don't improve.
"If you have a cough that has lasted for more than three weeks, then you should get checked as a matter of urgency.
"It might be down to a simple infection, but it is essential to rule out other much more serious causes such as lung cancer, pneumonia, or a clot on the lung.
"If there is a possibility that you may have lung cancer, you will be referred for a chest X-ray and possibly a CT scan.
"The quicker lung cancer is diagnosed, the more treatment options are then available."
The NHS in England is currently rolling out a lung cancer screening initiative called the Targeted Lung Health Check programme, where current and former smokers aged between 55 and 74 are invited for a lung check, specifically to rule out lung cancer.
For more information on chest infections or concerns about breathing, visit www.Asthmaandlung.Org.Uk or call the charity helpline on 0300 222 5800.
Further information on lung cancer is available from the NHS.
'Silent killer' chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - symptoms and causes
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that makes breathing increasingly more difficult.
It develops slowly over many years so you may not be aware you have it at first.
The main symptoms are:
Symptoms usually get gradually worse over time, but there may be periods when your symptoms get suddenly worse.
COPD is usually associated with long-term exposure to harmful substances, such as cigarette smoke.
Other causes include fumes and dust at work, air pollution, and if you smoke and have a close relative with the condition.
If you have persistent symptoms, particularly if you're over 35 and smoke or used to smoke, see a GP.
There's currently no cure for COPD, the sooner treatment begins, the less change there is of severe lung damage.
Source: NHS
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Cigarette smoke can increase your risk of developing COPDCredit: GettyLung Disease News
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Pneumonia Alert: Why Persistent Cough, Wheezing, Breathing Issues In Kids Require Urgent Medical Attention
Everything you need to know about pneumonia in children: lung damage, the severity of the condition, precautions, treatment options, etc. Exposure to air pollution and indoor pollutants increases the risk of pneumonia. Some children may also require hospital admission if the infection is severe. (Photo: Freepik)Written by Prerna MittraUpdated : November 18, 2024 4:19 PM IST
The cases of pneumonia are rising in the country, especially in the northern states, owing to a drop in temperature and rise in pollution levels, which are causing a lot of respiratory distress. The burden of pneumonia is the highest in children, whose lungs are still developing, along with the elderly population and those with weakened immune systems.
What Makes Pneumonia Severe In Children?A serious lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, pneumonia can lead to inflammation in the lungs. In children, this condition can severely affect those in the age group of five to 12 years, resulting in symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing, trouble breathing, vomiting, and extreme tiredness. Prompt medical intervention, therefore, is crucial for the well-being of children, doctors say.
Let's take the example of a patient: an eight-year-old boy from Navi Mumbai. He was admitted to a hospital in the city after suffering from coughing and wheezing for two days. Upon arrival, his chest X-ray confirmed mild pneumonia. He received treatment, recuperated well, and has since resumed school. Many other children are also getting diagnosed with pneumonia, with doctors insisting they seek timely treatment for successful outcomes.
Dr Amit P Ghawade, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Mumbai explains that pneumonia is an infection affecting the lungs that can lead to severe complications, especially in children.
"It occurs due to infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and is characterised by inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) within one or both lungs. This inflammation causes the sacs to fill with fluid or pus, leading to breathing problems. Viral pneumonia spreads when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or leaves germs on surfaces."
The doctor adds that pneumonia in children is often caused by viral pathogens, like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can inflame the lungs and create an environment for secondary bacterial infections like streptococcus pneumoniae. Exposure to air pollution and indoor pollutants increases the risk of pneumonia. Some children may also require hospital admission if the infection is severe.
What Is The Treatment Option?Treatment may include oxygen therapy, intravenous antibiotics, and fluids to prevent dehydration. Mild pneumonia can often be managed with rest, hydration, and medication, Dr Ghawade says.
Pneumonia PreventionTo help prevent pneumonia, parents should follow the recommended vaccination schedule, ensuring their children receive pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations. Additionally, children should practise good hygiene, exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet to boost immunity, wear masks, and avoid crowded places and sick individuals, the doctor concludes.
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