Chest infections | Pokenga pūkahukahu

Overview
Types
Types

Chest infections (pokenga pūkahukahu) affect your lungs and are more common in winter, especially if you have had a cold or the flu.

They often cause a build-up of fluid (mucus) and the airways become swollen, making it difficult for you to breathe.

Types of chest infections include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and whooping cough. Read more about these types of chest infections.

Some other illnesses cause chest symptoms, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, influenza (the flu), pleurisy (an inflammation of the lung lining) and tuberculosis (a bacterial infection that affects your lungs).

Who is most at risk?

Chest infections are very common, especially during the autumn and winter, when temperatures are lower. They often start after a cold or flu. Although anyone can get a chest infection, they are more common in:

Babies, young children and the elderly.
Pregnant women.
People who smoke.
People with long-term chest problems such as asthma.
People with a weakened immune system due to illness, surgery or chemotherapy

How are chest infections treated?

Although most chest infections are mild and get better on their own, some cases can be very serious, even life-threatening. A bout of infection of the large airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis) usually gets better on its own within 7-10 days without any medicines. If you suspect that you have a severe infection of the lung (pneumonia), you should see your doctor.

Self-help

If you have milder symptoms, treat your chest infection at home with:

rest
fluids (e.g. water or lemon and honey drinks)
painkillers such as paracetamol
inhaling steam vapour.

In most cases, medicines to stop you coughing aren’t recommended, as coughing helps you get rid of the infection. If you have a dry, irritated cough, see your pharmacist or doctor to discuss what might help.

Antibiotics

Most chest infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not much help. If your doctor suspects that your chest infection is caused by bacteria or if you have pneumonia, then you will be prescribed antibiotics. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily for chest infections caused by viruses can cause side-effects and do more harm than good, such as leading to resistant infections.

How to prevent chest infections

Chest infections spread when you cough or sneeze tiny droplets into the air, which other people breathe in, so cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands regularly and throw away used tissues.

Also:

Quit smoking, as it damages your lungs.
Limit alcohol, as it weakens your lungs’ natural defences against infections.
Eat healthily to strengthen your body’s immune system.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are available to reduce the risk of some types of chest infection. Some groups like the elderly and people with chronic, long-term conditions can be vaccinated against one of the most common types of bacterial pneumonia such as pneumococcal vaccine. The elderly and people with chronic conditions are advised to have a flu vaccination every year before winter comes as influenza can be complicated by pneumonia. Read more about vaccines and immunisations.

Learn more

Chest infections (bronchitis) Ministry of Health, NZ
Chest infection Patient Info, UK
Chest infections Better Health Channel, Australia

Credits: Health Navigator Editorial Team. Reviewed By: Syed Hussain, Auckland DHB (9 June 2017) Last reviewed: 09 Jul 2017 Page last updated: 20 Aug 2022

Types of chest infections

Bronchiolitis – infection of the small airways

This is a common viral chest infection that affects babies under 12 months of age. Bronchiolitis often starts as sniffles or a cold and after a day or two causes the small breathing tubes (bronchioles) in the lungs to become swollen and full of mucous. This can make breathing difficult and sound wheezy.
Most cases of bronchiolitis are mild and can be treated at home. Babies or children with moderate to severe cases of bronchiolitis may need to go to a hospital.

Bronchitis – infection of the larger airways

Bronchitis is swelling inside the larger airways that carry air to the lungs. The main symptom is coughing mucous. Acute bronchitis commonly occurs after a cold and is often known as a 'chest infection' or 'chest cold'. The main cause of acute bronchitis is a virus. This is often the same virus that causes a common cold, which is why it is common to get bronchitis after you’ve had a cold. Acute bronchitis is also more common in winter. It can affect people of all ages.

bronchitis diagram Image: 123RF

Pneumonia – infection of the air sacs in the lung

Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria or a virus, and is often triggered by a cold or the flu. Anyone can develop pneumonia, but young people and the elderly are often worst affected. See your doctor if you have a chest infection which is not getting better.
Most cases of pneumonia can be treated successfully at home with rest, plenty of fluids and a course of antibiotics. Hospitalisation may be advised for young children, the elderly or those with severe pneumonia.

Whooping cough – also called pertussis

This is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It causes repeated coughing bouts that can last for two to three months or more. Anyone can get whooping cough, but it causes the most severe, sometimes life-threatening, symptoms in babies, young children and elderly people.

Immunisation with the pertussis vaccine is the best way to protect against whooping cough.

Other causes of chest symptoms

Some other illnesses cause chest symptoms, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, influenza (the flu), pleurisy (an inflammation of the lung lining) and tuberculosis (a bacterial infection that affects your lungs).