Are you tired of coughing day and night? Beware; you may have a chest infection. A chest infection primarily affects your respiratory system. It causes inflammation in the lungs, which could lead to the formation of phlegm. Although the symptoms typically subside within a few days, they can be life-threatening for people with a history of respiratory ailments. You are most likely to catch an infection if you come into contact with an infected surface or a sneezing friend contaminated with the virus. Let’s delve deeper into the causes of chest infection.
How is a chest infection caused?
Among the most prominent causes of chest infection is the virus that infests the bronchi, an organ acting as the airway of our respiratory system. The chest infection reasons also include bacterial attacks that ultimately result in pneumonia, affecting kids and the elderly. According to the World Health Organisation, 14% of children aged below 5 years succumbed to pneumonia worldwide. It is a good enough warning to protect our dear ones from the causes of chest infection.
Other risk factors associated with chest infections are:
- History of respiratory ailments such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Long-term health issues like cardiac ailments, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Weak immune system due to illness, organ transplantation, or an undiagnosed health condition
- Cold and cough
- Kids with developmental issues, pregnant women, and infants are at high risk of acquiring chest infections
However, knowing the chest infection reasons alone is not enough. We need to be aware of the symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of chest infections include the following:
- Coughing up yellow/green mucus
- Breathlessness
- A feeling of discomfort in the chest
- Whistling sounds while you breathe
- Body pain accompanied by a sense of fatigue
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
Conclusion
Prevention of the causes of chest infection is a must to ensure a healthy life for our loved ones. We should stop considering chest infections as an ailment that will subside on its own. Proper medication, good hygiene, vaccination for kids, and consultation with your doctor if you see any signs of chest infections (like persistent coughing or recurrent coughs and colds), go a long way in ensuring your overall well-being. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan can help cover doctor consultations, medications, and vaccinations, ensuring you receive timely treatment and protection against chest infections without financial concerns.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.