What are chest infections?
A chest infection is an infection that affects your lungs or airways. You might get a chest infection after a cold or flu.
The main types of chest infections are pneumonia and bronchitis.
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.
What are the signs and symptoms of chest infections?
The main symptoms of chest infections are:
- a chesty cough. You may cough up yellow or green phlegm
- a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- wheezing and shortness of breath
- chest pain or discomfort
- aching muscles
- a headache.
How do chest infections affect asthma and other lung conditions?
If you have asthma, you’re more likely to get a chest infection. You may also get more severe chest infections. Chest infections can trigger your asthma symptoms and lead to an asthma attack.
Repeated chest infections are one of the main symptoms of COPD. You may also get more severe chest infections.
Chest infections can make your COPD symptoms worse and lead to flare-ups (exacerbations).
Repeated chest infections are one of the main symptoms of bronchiectasis.
Chest infections can make your bronchiectasis symptoms worse and lead to flare-ups (exacerbations).
Your GP or specialist can give you the best advice about how chest infections might affect your lung condition.
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