How long does the average chest infection last?

How long does the average chest infection last?

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.

Whats the longest a chest infection can last?

Acute bronchitis usually lasts from 10 to 14 days, but some symptoms may last longer. For example, you may have a lingering cough that lasts for a month or sometimes longer. This is true for both children and adults. Older adults may experience more severe symptoms over a longer duration of time.

How often do I get a chest infection?

I have been suffering recurrent chest infections with the last two-three years. I get approximatley 4 chest infections a each year. More recently at the beginning of December 2006 I had a very strong bowt of it and was eventually given Amoxycillin.

What causes the symptoms of a chest infection?

The symptoms of a chest infection can include: What causes a chest infection? A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection. For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin.

How long does it take for chest infection to go away?

Chest infections often follow colds or flu. 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.

When to take antibiotics for a chest infection?

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.

How long does a chest infection last on its own?

Some chest infections are mild and clear up on their own, but others can be severe and life threatening. Chest infections often follow colds or flu. 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.

What does it mean when you have a chest infection?

A chest infection affects the lungs or your airways. An infection of the lungs or large airways is known as a chest infection. If the infection affects the larger airways, it is known as bronchitis, and if it affects the smaller air sacs, it is known as pneumonia.

Can a bronchitis turn into a chest infection?

A mild chest infection or bronchitis can develop into a more serious one, such as pneumonia. Although pneumonia can often be relatively mild, it can cause stronger symptoms and there is a risk of worse complications.

Which is worse a chest infection or a cold?

A chest infection is worse than a heavy cold and is extremely common, affecting about a third of babies in their first year. It is likely to be a virus, in which case your tot should rest at home until symptoms clear up of their own accord.