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Chest infection

Also called Lower respiratory tract infection or LRTI

A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or the large airways, often after a cold or flu. The main types are bronchitis, usually caused by viruses, and pneumonia, which is more often bacterial. Most chest infections are mild and get better within 7 to 10 days, though the cough can last up to 3 weeks.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

Older people, babies, smokers and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, asthma, diabetes or heart failure are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.

Rest and fluids are enough for most people. Antibiotics are given when a bacterial infection such as pneumonia is likely.

Common signs

  • A chesty cough, which may bring up yellow or green mucus
  • Wheezing and breathlessness
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Fever
  • Aches and tiredness

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Listening to the chest and measuring oxygen levels
  • A chest X-ray if pneumonia is suspected
  • Blood or sputum tests in some cases

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Notes of each infection and any antibiotics
  • Chest X-ray reports
  • Oxygen level readings
  • Vaccination records (flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19)

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Do I need antibiotics?
  • How long should the cough last?
  • Which vaccines would protect me?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Severe breathlessness, blue lips, chest pain, confusion or coughing up blood: call 112

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

BronchitisAn infection of the main airways of the lungs that causes a cough, usually after a cold, and clears up on its own within weeks.PneumoniaAn infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs. It can be mild or serious and is usually treated with antibiotics.Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseA common long-term lung condition, mainly caused by smoking, that makes it hard to breathe and gets worse over time.