How is pneumonia diagnosed and treated?

Some respiratory infections can cause a cough which can last for a few days or become chronic which can last for months. It is always best to speak to your doctor if you have an ongoing unexplained cough. Excessive and prolonged alcohol misuse can weaken your lungs’ natural defences against infections and make you more vulnerable to chest infections.

• If you are having steroids in these ways, your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can give you more information.
• However, there may be important clues in the history and the examination that can help differentiate the two.
• Tests are used to diagnose a heart condition or to see how healthy your heart is.
• The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.

Possible complications of pneumonia include blood poisoning and pleurisy, which is inflammation of the membranes that surround your lungs. Younger children are more likely to develop chest infections than adults. Chest infection in child patients can also cause more severe symptoms due to their smaller airways and less developed immune systems.

What to expect when recovering from pneumonia?

Information about steroid injections is covered on a different page. Steroids won’t cure your condition, but they’re very good at reducing inflammation and will ease symptoms such as swelling, pain and stiffness. They’re also known as corticosteroids, and are different to anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders and athletes.

Painkillers like paracetamol are considered safe during pregnancy and can help relieve the symptoms of a chest infection. It is also safe to apply some Vicks chest rub to help speed up your recovery. For advice and things you can try at home, learn how to get rid of a chest infection at home. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid a chest infection when pregnant.

Side effects of cancer drugs

You won’t be able to have steroid creams or gels if you have an infection that affects your skin. Some other skin problems, such as rosacea, acne and ulcers, can be made worse by steroid creams so you might not be able to take them if you have any of these conditions. You might not be able to start https://anabolic-superstore.com steroids if you have an infection, or if you have any wounds on your body, as steroids might delay these getting better or cover up some of your symptoms. You should also avoid close contact with children who have had the flu vaccine nasal spray if your immune system is severely weakened.

Chest infection signs and symptoms

Viral or bacterial infections in the lungs or air passages that can happen after a cold or the flu are often called chest infections. Another term that you may hear being used for these types of illness is a lower respiratory tract infection. Bronchitis and pneumonia are two different types of chest infection that affect different parts of the lung and air passages.

Treatment

The contents on this site is for information only, and is not meant to substitute the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Check out the latest news about cystic fibrosis, from new developments in research to nationwide campaigns, including local, national and international stories. A lack of minerals caused by a damaged pancreas can result in osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones).

What is a bacterial chest infection?

Older children won’t usually need to see a doctor for a mild chest infection, but you should still seek medical advice if the symptoms are very severe or they last for more than a few weeks. Taking steroid tablets for a long time can make you more likely to get infections. If you feel feverish or unwell, or develop any new symptoms after starting steroids, it’s important to tell your doctor or rheumatology nurse.

Smoking is the main cause of COPD, but other factors that can cause COPD include occupational exposure to certain dusts and fumes. It’s not a one size fits all health issue – different chest infections can be mild or severe and treatment can range from self-care to hospital admission. Signs that a chest infection is very serious and requires immediate medical attention include a very high fever, difficulty breathing, blueness around the lips, and confusion or disorientation.