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

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