When should I see a doctor about a chest infection?
Chest infections – often called upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) – often follow colds or flu. Most, like colds and flu, are due to viruses.
The main symptoms are:
- A chesty cough – you may cough up green or yellow sputum
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Mild chest pain or discomfort
- A temperature
- A headache
- Aching muscles
- Tiredness.
These symptoms can be unpleasant, but they usually get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days. Most people do not need to see a doctor. Most people do not need antibiotics.
But You should see a doctor if you have a chest infection and:
- You feel very unwell or your symptoms worsen
- You have moderate/severe chest pain or short of breath or difficulty breathing
- You cough up blood or have blood-stained sputum
- You have a cough for more than three weeks
- You have a very high fever – more than 39°C
- You are pregnant or over 65 years
- You have a weakened immune system, such as from diabetes or chemotherapy
- You have a long-term health condition, such as a heart, lung, or kidney condition (CKD)
- You are taking antibiotics at home and don’t feel better after two to three days.
