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Chest Infections

Frequent uncontrolled chest infections can cause permanent damage to your lungs. Unfortunately, if you have certain chest conditions (e.g. COPD and bronchiectasis) you are more likely to get chest infections and they can make you feel very tired and unwell.

It is important to do what you can to minimise the risk of catching an infection and, if you do get an infection, start treatment quickly.

• Look out for warning signs
• Get help: don't ignore your warning signs!
• Minimise risk of an infection

Look out for warning signs

Things to look out for include:

• Generally feeling unwell
• Increased breathlessness
• Feeling feverish
• Nasal congestion
• Increased coughing
• Changes in your sputum – increase in amount produced, change of colour and thicker consistency

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Get help: don't ignore your warning signs!

Call your doctor as soon as you notice any of the above warning signs. It is best to start taking antibiotics within 24 hours of becoming unwell. Some people may benefit from having a supply of antibiotics at home.

• Do not ignore your symptoms.

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Minimise risk of an infection

• Make sure you are up to date with your flu and pneumonia vaccines.
• Complete the full course of any treatment you are prescribed, e.g. antibiotics.
• Try to eat a healthy, varied diet and drink plenty of non–alcoholic fluids.
• Pay attention to your personal hygiene, especially hand washing.
• When you notice any of your warning signs try to avoid close contact with anyone who looks or sounds ill and minimise time you spend in small crowded places.
• If you see a chest physiotherapist and they have recommended chest clearance techniques / physiotherapy exercises, try to get into the habit of doing these every day.

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