When to see your GP
Chest infection symptoms usually get better on their own in about seven to 10 days. Your cough and phlegm might last up to three weeks.
If you have a lung condition, you’re more at risk of getting a severe chest infection. You should see your GP if you think you have a chest infection to make sure you get the right support.
We know from calls to our helpline that it can be hard to book a GP appointment sometimes. Our advice could help you get a GP appointment.
How will my GP treat my chest infection?
The treatment for your chest infection will depend on the cause of your chest infection:
- if you have a bacterial chest infection you might prescribed antibiotics
- if you have a viral chest infection this should clear up by itself and antibiotics will not help. If you have a cough for more than three weeks you should go back to your GP for more help.
Managing a chest infection at home
Here are some ways you can treat a chest infection at home.
Talk to your pharmacist
If you need more help, you can also speak to a pharmacist. They can give you advice on medicines that could help to relieve your symptoms, like decongestants, nasal sprays and cough medicines.
Keep managing your lung condition
We have advice about managing your asthma well. This is important as it can help to lower your risk of having an asthma attack.
Update your self-management plan with your healthcare professional so it has advice about what to do if your symptoms get worse. This includes information about taking medicines for your lung condition, such as rescue packs.
We have a free COPD self-management plan and pulmonary fibrosis self-management plan available. The British Thoracic Society has a free bronchiectasis self-management plan you can download.
Find your lung condition and get more help and support to manage your lung condition well.
Rest
If you have a chest infection, try to rest as much as possible.
Use pillows to keep your head raised while sleeping. This can help you to breathe and clear phlegm from your chest.
Use painkillers
Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help to ease headaches, muscle pain and lower your temperature if it's high.
If you have asthma, speak to a healthcare professional before taking painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory painkillers. These medicines could trigger your asthma symptoms. Your healthcare professional can suggest different painkillers instead, like paracetamol.
Drink fluids
Drinking lot of fluids can stop you from getting dehydrated. Fluids can also loosen the phlegm in your lungs and make it easier to cough up. If your throat is sore from coughing, warm water mixed with honey and lemon can help to soothe it.
Get help to stop smoking
Smoking while you have a chest infection can make your symptoms worse. Stopping smoking can also help you prevent future chest infections. Get help to stop smoking for good.
Get support
Call or WhatsApp our Helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.
Related advice
