Chest Infections (Adult)

What are Chest Infections (Adult) ❓

 An infection of the lungs or airways

 Includes acute bronchitis (air tubes) and pneumonia (air sacs)

 Causes: bacterial or viral infection (e.g. influenza) 🦠

What are the Symptoms of Chest Infections ❓

 Coughing 🗣

 Breathlessness/wheezing

 Fever 🥵

 Chest pain

 Lethargy 😴

How do you Diagnose Chest Infections ❓

 Patient symptom assessment

 General and chest examination 👨‍⚕️

 Investigation (e.g. oxygen levels, blood or mucus test for infection)

 Possible chest X-ray for pneumonia 🏥

How do you Treat Chest Infections ❓

 Self-care advice for mild cases (e.g. fluids, painkillers, cough medicine) 🥤

 Advice to stop smoking 🚭

 Antibiotics only needed for pneumonia, or for high risk patients

Why should I Worry about Chest Infections ❓

 Most cases of chest infections are mild and only require self-care

 Acute bronchitis can lead to pneumonia as a complication

 Pneumonia can be serious in the elderly or high risk patients (e.g. has lung disease)

 Some cases are caused by viruses which antibiotics cannot treat 💊