Get Help for Chest Infections in East London
Shortness of breath, chest tightness or a persistent cough can be serious. Our East London GPs assess and treat chest infections with expert care for a safe recovery.
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1. Book An Appointment
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2. Come In For A Consultation
Our team will sit down with you, assess your symptoms or concerns, and guide you through the best treatment options.
3. Get the Care You Need
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Chest Infection Treatment
Chest infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections, can cause coughing, chest discomfort, fever, and difficulty breathing.Â
While many chest infections are mild, some require professional evaluation to prevent complications.
At EveryMed, our GPs provide thorough diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for chest infections, ensuring fast relief and proper recovery.Â
Whether your symptoms are acute or recurrent, our lung infection GPs deliver personalised care.
Understanding Chest Infections
A chest infection occurs when the lungs or airways become inflamed due to bacteria, viruses, or other irritants. Common types include:
- Acute bronchitis – inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually viral
- Pneumonia – bacterial or viral infection of the lungs
- Bronchiolitis – inflammation of small airways (more common in children)
- Secondary infections – following flu or cold
Prompt diagnosis helps prevent complications like pneumonia, pleurisy, or chronic respiratory issues.
Common Symptoms of Chest Infections
You should consult our chest infection clinic if you experience:
- Persistent cough (dry or producing mucus)
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue and weakness
- Coughing up yellow, green, or bloody mucus
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Body aches
- Loss of appetite
Early treatment is essential, especially if you have pre-existing lung conditions or immune compromise.
Causes of Chest Infections
Chest infections can be caused by:
Viral Infections
- Influenza
- Common cold viruses
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Bacterial Infections
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Staphylococcus aureus
Other Causes
- Fungal infections (rare)
- Smoking or air pollution
- Weak immune system
- Chronic conditions (COPD, asthma, diabetes)
Identifying the underlying cause ensures the most effective lung infection treatment.
How We Diagnose Chest Infections
Our GP will assess:
- Symptom history (duration, severity, onset)
- Physical examination (listening to lungs, checking oxygen levels)
- Cough and sputum characteristics
- Fever and vital signs
Additional tests may include:
- Chest X-ray (for suspected pneumonia)
- Blood tests (for infection markers)
- Sputum culture (to identify bacteria)
- Pulmonary function tests (for chronic respiratory issues)
Accurate diagnosis allows targeted treatment and reduces complications.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection.
Viral Chest Infection Treatment
- Rest and hydration
- Cough relief medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Monitoring for worsening symptoms
Most viral infections resolve within 1–2 weeks, but follow-up ensures no secondary infection develops.
Bacterial Chest Infection Treatment
- Antibiotics (when appropriate)
- Cough management
- Pain and fever relief
- Supportive care at home
- Follow-up to confirm recovery
Chronic or Recurrent Chest Infections
If infections are frequent:
- Evaluation for underlying conditions (asthma, COPD, immune disorders)
- Long-term management and preventive strategies
- Vaccination guidance (flu, pneumococcal)
When to See a Doctor
Book an appointment if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or thick green/yellow mucus
- Fatigue or weakness interfering with daily life
- Recurrent chest infections
Seek urgent care if:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- High fever not responding to medication
- Confusion or dizziness
- Chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw
- Blue lips or fingertips
These may indicate a serious infection requiring immediate attention.
Preventing Chest Infections
Our GPs provide advice on:
- Regular hand hygiene
- Vaccinations (flu, pneumonia)
- Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke
- Reducing exposure to pollutants
- Proper treatment of colds and allergies
- Strengthening immune health through diet and lifestyle
Prevention reduces the risk of recurrent infections and complications.
Why Choose EveryMed for Chest Infection Care?
- Experienced lung infection GPs
- Evidence-based treatment for bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections
- Fast symptom relief and monitoring
- Personalised recovery plans
- Support for chronic or recurrent chest infections
- Comprehensive care including testing and follow-up
Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re struggling with a cough, fever, or chest discomfort, don’t wait for complications to develop.
Book a consultation at EveryMed for expert chest infection treatment and respiratory care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a chest infection?
A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or airways, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or, in some cases, fungi.
2. What are the common symptoms of a chest infection?
Symptoms include cough (often producing mucus), chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, and sometimes wheezing or chills.
3. How does EveryMed diagnose a chest infection?
Our doctors perform a physical examination, listen to the lungs, review your symptoms, and may order a chest X-ray or lab tests to determine the type and severity of the infection.
4. Do chest infections require antibiotics?
Not all chest infections need antibiotics. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, while bacterial infections may require a course of antibiotics, prescribed after proper evaluation.
5. How does EveryMed treat chest infections?
Treatment may include antibiotics (if bacterial), cough suppressants, inhalers, anti-inflammatory medications, fever reducers, oxygen therapy if needed, and advice on rest and hydration.
6. When should I seek urgent medical care for a chest infection?
Seek immediate care if you experience high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent cough with blood, or if symptoms worsen despite treatment.
7. Can chest infections be prevented?
Preventive measures include frequent hand washing, avoiding smoking, staying up to date with vaccinations (like flu and pneumonia), and promptly treating colds or respiratory infections.
8. Are chest infections more serious for certain people?
Yes. Older adults, young children, smokers, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications from chest infections and should seek timely care.
