When To Get Medical Care
See a specialist if you have:
- Breathing problems or rapid breathing
- The Dehydration
- A fever lasting more than 4 days
- Symptoms that last without relief for more than 10 days
- Symptoms that strengthen but then rebound or intensify, such as fever or cough,
- Worsening Chronic Psychiatric Problems
This is not an all-inclusive collection. For any signs which are extreme or troubling, please see a doctor.
Since colds may have flu-like effects, the distinction between the two conditions, based on symptoms alone can be hard to say. Both the flu and the common cold are infectious infections, but various viruses cause them.
The flu is generally worse than a cough because the effects are more extreme. It is more likely that people with colds may get a runny or stuffy nose.
In general, colds do not lead to severe health issues, such as asthma, strains of bacteria, or hospitalizations. The flu may have very severe problems associated with it.
I Think I Have A Chest Infection
Coffey recommends that the first port of call should always be your GP, even when symptoms are severe. “I’d always try the GP in the first instance,” she says. “If you explain the symptoms fully to a receptionist, you should get through fairly quickly.”
“Even if hospitalisation is needed, your GP will be able to help to get you seen more speedily on arrival.”
Depending on the type and severity of your chest infection, and your overall general health, your GP will often prescribe antibiotics. “In the case of a bacterial infection, we’d usually give 5-7 days of antibiotics for a patient who was previously fit and well,” explains Coffey. “Someone with lung disease might be given 10-14 days.”
In the case of a viral chest infection, such as bronchitis, antibiotics are not usually prescribed if a patient was in previously good health.
“Those with asthma, COPD or cystic fibrosis will often need antibiotics and steroid inhalers and sometimes nebulisers,” adds Livingstone.
When Antibiotics Can Help
When they’re used the right way, antibiotics can save lives. For example, they can treat bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, ear infection, and pinkeye — as long as they’re caused by bacteria.
Sometimes, you get infected with a bacteria after you’ve got a cold. Some signs of bacterial sinus infection are pain around your face and eyes that may get worse when you bend over. You might also cough up thick, yellow or green mucus.
These symptoms may also occur with a cold. But if they last for more than a week or are severe, you may have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics.
Only your doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Talk to them if you think you might need them.
Continued
Don’t Miss: Antibiotic Ointment For Pink Eye
Still Phlegm After Antibiotics
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Types Of Chest Infections & How Long They Last
There are two major types of chest infections, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia. Bronchitis is the more common type of chest infection and the severity of this infection is also much less. Meanwhile, pneumonia is less common but the severity is much higher.
If you are suffering from bronchitis, then it is a short-term infection that affects the lining of the lungs air tubes, known as bronchi. Caused by a virus, this type of chest infection usually lasts for seven to ten days. Most people do not generally require medical treatment for bronchitis and it clears up on its own.
On the other hand, pneumonia is a type of chest infection that affects the small air sacs in your lungs. Most cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, but some can be caused by viruses as well. Assessing the severity of pneumonia is complicated. While some people manage to get better on simple antibiotics itself, severe cases may also require hospitalization as their condition might be life-threatening. This type of chest infection can last for anywhere between two to three weeks.
Recommended Reading: Can You Buy Antibiotics At Walmart
When You Cough Up Green Or Yellow Phlegm You Need To Be Prescribed Antibiotics Right
- Date:
- Cardiff University
- Summary:
- Prescribing antibiotics for patients with discoloured phlegm caused by acute cough has little or no effect on alleviating symptoms and recovery, a new study in the UK has found.
Prescribing antibiotics for patients with discoloured phlegm caused by acute cough has little or no effect on alleviating symptoms and recovery, a Cardiff University study has found.
Acute cough is one of the common reasons why people visit their GP and accounts for a large proportion of antibiotics prescribed in the community. One of the most common questions asked by GPs to their patients is about their phlegm: “Are you coughing anything up?” or “What colour is your phlegm?”
Clinicians and patients commonly believe that yellow and green phlegm production is associated with a bacterial infection, which is more likely to benefit from antibiotic treatment compared to non-productive cough or cough that produces clear phlegm.
However, in a new study published in the European Respiratory Journal, Professor Chris Butler and his team from Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, together with colleagues from 14 European centres present data from an observational study of 3402 adult patients with acute cough presenting for health care in 14 primary care networks.
The research found that patients producing discoloured phlegm are prescribed antibiotics more frequently than those not producing phlegm unlike those producing clear/white phlegm.
Story Source:
Antibiotic No Better For Coughs Uncomplicated Chest Infections Than No Medication
Amoxicillin, the antibiotic doctors often prescribe for persistent coughs caused by uncomplicated chest infections such as bronchitis, is no more effective at easing symptoms than no medication at all, even in older patients. This was the finding of the largest randomised placebo controlled trial of antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infections done to date.
The study, which was led by the University of Southampton in the UK, is from the GRACE consortium and was funded by the European Communitys Sixth Framework Programme.
A paper on the findings appears in the 19 December online issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
First author Paul Little, Professor of Primary Care Research at Southampton, says in a statement:
Patients given amoxicillin dont recover much quicker or have significantly fewer symptoms.
In fact, he adds, using amoxicillin to treat patients with respiratory infections who dont have pneumonia could not only be ineffective, but might actually harm them.
Overuse of antibiotics, which is dominated by primary care prescribing, particularly when they are ineffective, can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, rash, vomiting and the development of resistance, he explains.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recently put out a statement saying that antibiotic resistance remains a major threat to public health around the world, and for the large part, the cause is misuse of antibiotics.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Probiotic For Diarrhea Caused By Antibiotics
Coughing Up Clear Mucus: Why And What Can You Do
Your discomfort may be caused by:
1. Common Cold and Influenza
You may produce clear mucus if you have influenza or are suffering from the common cold. These viral infections will make excess mucus accumulate at the back of your throat. You will notice clear and thin phlegm during the first few days of your illness, but it becomes yellow when your immune system takes charge of things. The phlegm will turn clear again when your immune system is about to eliminate the infection.
Treatment
You do not have to take antibiotics for viral infections. It is not uncommon for your healthcare provider to prescribe medication to help you manage severe cold or flu symptoms. Be sure to talk to your doctor immediately if you are coughing up clear mucus and have other symptoms such as chills, pain, and a fever.
2. Bronchitis
You develop bronchitis when the lining of your bronchial tubes become inflamed due to a cold or other respiratory infections. You may develop acute or chronic bronchitis. While acute bronchitis is more common, it is easily treatable. Chronic bronchitis can lead to several complications and is usually the result of smoking.
For either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Production of mucus , which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color-rarely, it may be streaked with blood.
- fatigue
- Chest discomfort
Treatment
3. Allergy
Here are the steps you should take if you are coughing up clear mucus due to allergies:
What Color Phlegm Is Bad
Red or pink phlegm can be a more serious warning sign. Red or pink indicates that there is bleeding in the respiratory tract or lungs. Heavy coughing can cause bleeding by breaking the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to red phlegm. However, more serious conditions can also cause red or pink phlegm.
Also Check: Types Of Antibiotics For Ear Infection
What Kind Of Coughdoes Need Antibiotics
Unlike acute bronchitis, pneumonia, which can also cause a long-term cough, may require antibiotic therapy. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and can also be a serious complication in patients with severe COVID-19. Pneumonia looks very similar to the flu, though, so youll have to see a doctor to find out whether you need antibiotics. . You can read more about the differences between COVID-19 and the flu here.
The presence of a fever may be a clue that your cough is either caused by the flu or pneumonia rather than acute bronchitis. Symptoms of the flu and pneumonia also include the following :
-
Body ache
Taking Care Of Yourself At Home
If you have a bacterial chest infection, you should start to feel better 24 to 48 hours after starting on antibiotics. You may have a cough for days or weeks. For other types of chest infections, the recovery is more gradual. You may feel weak for some time and need a longer period of bed rest.Be guided by your doctor, but general self-care suggestions include:
- Take your medication as directed. Even if you feel better, finish the course of antibiotics.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Rest for a few days.
- Prop yourself up on a couple of pillows at night it will make it easier to sleep.
- Stop smoking, at least until you feel better, if you cant give up at this stage.
- Contact your local doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
- Go straight to your local doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department if you have trouble breathing, have a high fever or feel worse.
Recommended Reading: Can Bronchitis Be Treated With Antibiotics
How To Feel Better
Below are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off acute bronchitis:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
- Use saline nasal spray or drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
- For young children, use a rubber suction bulb to clear mucus.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness.
What Colour Is Phlegm With A Chest Infection
Red or pink phlegm can be a more serious warning sign. Red or pink indicates that there is bleeding in the respiratory tract or lungs. Heavy coughing can cause bleeding by breaking the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to red phlegm. However, more serious conditions can also cause red or pink phlegm.
Beside this, What does infected phlegm look like?
mucus changes from a runny substance to a thicker texture. mucus has a green or yellow color, as this may indicate an infection.
Likewise, What color should phlegm be?
Thin and clear mucus is normal and healthy. White. Thicker white mucus goes along with feelings of congestion and may be a sign that an infection is starting. The white color comes from an increased number of white blood cells.
Also, Do I need antibiotics for coughing up green phlegm?
You might also cough up thick, yellow or green mucus. These symptoms may also occur with a cold. But if they last for more than a week or are severe, you may have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics.
How do you get rid of an infected phlegm?
Keeping the air moist. Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the face. Keeping the head elevated. Discreetly getting rid of phlegm. Using a saline nasal spray or rinse. Gargling with salt water.
Don’t Miss: Bacterial Vaginosis Caused By Antibiotics
Having Ivs In Hospital
- Some people come into hospital for their IV antibiotics and stay there while they have the course of treatment .This may be because youre unwell or dont have the support to continue your treatment at home. In this case, hospital is the safest place to be. Often being in a place of safety and having the opportunity to rest and recover will enhance your recovery from a flare up of bronchiectasis
- In additional to your IV antibiotics treatment, you will also meet a range of health professionals who can help you with your disease. These will include doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians and other members of staff.
Check If You Have A Chest Infection
Chest infections often follow colds or flu.
The main symptoms are:
- a chesty cough you may cough up green or yellow mucus
- wheezing and shortness of breath
- chest pain or discomfort
- aching muscles
- tiredness
These symptoms can be unpleasant, but they usually get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days.
The cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks.
Read Also: Urinary Tract Infection How To Treat Without Antibiotics
Causes And Associated Symptoms Of Blood In Mucus
Blood in mucus may appear due to several conditions. Some may indicate small problems that resolve quickly. But, you can also see blood in the sputum due to some severe health complications. It is always better to see your doctor to check the exact reason triggering the problem. By detecting the issue, you can get treatment to rectify the issue and prevent it from worsening. So, the common causes associated with the issue are:
Common Cough And Cold
Sneezing, stuffy and runny nose? You might have a cold. Colds are one of the most frequent reasons for missed school and work. Every year, adults have an average of 2 to 3 colds, and children have even more.
Antibiotics do not work against cold-causing viruses and are not going to make you sleep better.
Read Also: Antibiotics For H Pylori Eradication
Breathing Exercises To Clear Covid Lungs
If youre having trouble clearing mucus from your lungs after a respiratory infection, these exercises may help. There are two types of exercise here.
The first two are breathing exercises that use your breath to strengthen your lungs and help you expel mucus. The second two are postural exercises that use gravity to help move mucus out of your lungs.
Best Medicines For Chest Congestion 2020
Congestion throughout the sinus is one thing, but congestion in the chest is a completely different problem. Giving you a heavy feeling when you breathe and a chesty quality to your cough, chest congestion can make anyone feel weak. However, for as difficult and tiring as chest congestion might feel, it is one of the most common symptoms of the common cold and flu.
Luckily, no one has to suffer through the pains of chest congestion, especially these days when affordable and accessible remedies are available. Of course, it is easy to be able to simply walk into a drugstore and ask for the best medicine for chest congestion, but choosing can be difficult with so many options available. How do you know which is the right one?
Find out how to choose the best chest decongestant by taking cues from this helpful buying guide.
Also Check: Do Ear Infections Require Antibiotics
How Do Doctors Diagnose Acute Bronchitis
For most patients with acute bronchitis, a diagnosis is based on your medical history and a physical examination. Further testing is usually not needed, but a chest X-ray may be done if you have an abnormally fast heart rate or breathing rate, if you have a fever, or if you are over 75 years of age and show mental or behavioral changes. A chest X-ray is mainly used to rule out pneumonia.
How To Avoid Getting A Chest Infection
Stop smoking if you smoke. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing serious chest infections. Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your defences against infection.
Cut down on how much alcohol you drink. Excessive and prolonged alcohol misuse can weaken your lungs’ natural defences against infections. This can make you more vulnerable to chest infections.
Washing your hands especially before eating protects you from many infections including chest infections. Avoid touching your face with your hands.
If you are over 65 or have a serious long-term health condition you should:
- ask your GP about the annual flu vaccination
- ask if you should have the pneumococcal vaccine this helps prevent pneumonia
Read Also: Over The Counter Antibiotics For Diarrhea
