If you're at an increased risk of chest infections, your GP may recommend being vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal infections (a bacterium that can cause pneumonia). Read more about healthy eating and tips on cutting down on alcohol Vaccinations The risk to your health is increased by drinking any amount of alcohol on a regular basis.Įating a healthy, balanced diet can help strengthen the immune system, making you less vulnerable to developing chest infections. Regular or frequent drinking means drinking alcohol most weeks. if you're trying to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, it's a good idea to have several alcohol-free days each week.if you drink as much as 14 units a week, it's best to spread this evenly over three or more days.not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week.To keep your risk of alcohol-related harm low, the NHS recommends: Alcohol and dietĮxcessive and prolonged alcohol misuse can weaken your lungs' natural defences against infections and make you more vulnerable to chest infections. Therefore, it's important to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and to wash your hands regularly. Read more information and advice about stopping smoking Good hygieneĪlthough chest infections generally aren't as contagious as other common infections, like flu, you can pass them on to others through coughing and sneezing. Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your defences against infection. If you smoke, one of the best things you can do to prevent a chest infection is to stop. There are measures you can take to help reduce your risk of developing chest infections and stop them spreading to others. In some cases, further tests – such as a chest X-ray, breathing tests and testing phlegm or blood samples – may be needed. Your GP should be able to diagnose you based on your symptoms and by listening to your chest using a stethoscope (a medical instrument used to listen to the heart and lungs). While you recover at home, there are things you can do to improve your symptoms. You won't usually need to see your GP, unless your symptoms suggest you have a more serious infection. Many chest infections aren't serious and get better within a few days or weeks. Read more about the causes of bronchitis and the causes of pneumonia Caring for your symptoms at home people with a weakened immune system – this could be due to a recent illness, a transplant, high-dose steroids, chemotherapy or a health condition, such as an undiagnosed HIV infection.people with long-term health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The infections can also be spread to others if you cough or sneeze onto your hand, an object or a surface, and someone else shakes your hand or touches those surfaces before touching their mouth or nose.Ĭertain groups of people have a higher risk of developing serious chest infections, such as: This launches tiny droplets of fluid containing the virus or bacteria into the air, where they can be breathed in by others. These infections are usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses, whereas most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria. The main types of chest infection are bronchitis and pneumonia. What causes chest infections?Ī chest infection is an infection of the lungs or airways. You may also experience more general symptoms of an infection, such as a headache, fatigue, sweating, loss of appetite, or joint and muscle pain. breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing.coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood.The main symptoms of a chest infection can include: Chest infections are common, especially after a cold or flu during autumn and winter.Īlthough most are mild and get better on their own, some can be serious or even life-threatening.
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