Chest infections (otherwise known as respiratory tract infections (RTIs)), occur when you have an infection in your airways, lungs, or throat. This type of infection can be due to either a bacterium or a virus.
You can either get an upper RTI, which will affect your sinuses, nose, and throat, or an infection in your lower respiratory tract, and this will affect your lungs and your airways.
At the IPSA clinic you will be seen by our doctor with strong background in emergency medicine. We can offer you an immediate appointment at a time to suit you in a setting that is confidential. Our clinics are always clean and quiet.
You will be given a full examination. This is so that your IPSA Medical doctor can exclude any serious reasons behind your symptoms. Your symptoms will always be taken seriously.
At your IPSA Medical clinic, a range of treatments will be provided to relieve any of the distressing symptoms you may have such as wheezing or breathing difficulties, and you will receive immediate treatment at your consultation.
As or when necessary, your IPSA Medical doctor will prescribe:
- Antibiotics
- Immunity boosters
- A variety of inhalers
- Analgesia
At IPSA Medical, you will be given easy access to your doctor by phone. This is so that once you have gone home with your treatment, any questions or worries that you may have will be answered.
At IPSA Medical, our aim is to give you total peace of mind and complete access to our doctors after your consultation. IPSA Medical doctors are also able to provide you with any medical sick notes that you may require.
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptom for an upper RTI is a cough, but there are other symptoms:
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- A sore throat
- A stuffy/runny nose
- Muscle aches
Breathlessness and a severe cough can develop with lower RTIs, and the other common symptoms are:
- Flu
- A cough
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Bronchiolitis (which is seen in children under 2 years old and babies)
How Can I Manage My Symptoms?
OTC (over-the-counter) painkillers (such as paracetamol/ibuprofen) can be used at home to ease your symptoms. Plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids will also help.
Employing good hygiene (washing your hands regularly using warm water and soap) means that chest infections can be avoided; this also limits the disease spreading to other people.
Visit your IPSA Medical doctor immediately if you feel very unwell.
Contact IPSA Medical for your immediate consultation – alternatively, book a same-day appointment online now.
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