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

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