Almost everyone has experienced symptoms of a cold. In fact, according to data from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, about 1 billion people in the United States have a cold every year. The most common symptoms of this respiratory infection are nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, cough and headache. Symptoms are usually caused by a virus and usually begin to clean up on their own within a week or two. Occasionally, however, simple respiratory infections can lead to more serious illnesses. Chest tightness and fever are signs of possible bacterial infections. In addition, chest-related symptoms that you attribute to a cold may actually be caused by a primary bacterial infection. These symptoms must be assessed and diagnosed by a physician.
Your doctor will listen to your breathing during the exam to find out why the chest is stuffy. (Source: Jupiterimages / Photos.com / Getty Images) Attracting respiratory infections
Touching the eyes, nose or mouth after touching, can infect respiratory infections with bacteria Infected mist on the surface, or after someone sneezes or coughs. Your body's attempts to fight infection can cause symptoms, usually within two or three days after your infection. Most of the time, these are viral infections that cause colds. When your main symptoms appear on your head - such as sneezing and sore throat - the infection is informally called a head cold. When your main symptoms are chest related, such as mucus producing cough and congestion, you may have a chest cold. Most respiratory infections have never entered this stage.
Bacterial infections
Congestion with a chest cold is caused by inflammation and accumulation of mucus. According to Dr. Ask Sears, this mucus can be used as a breeding ground for bacteria. Acute bacterial infection occurs when bacteria in the mucus multiply. Side effects of these diseases include fever, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and severe shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways from the trachea and branches into the chest. Infectious bronchitis is usually viral, but it can develop into bacterial bronchitis. If you have a cold, bronchitis is more likely to be bacteria. Symptoms of infectious bronchitis, whether caused by bacteria or viruses, in addition to cough caused by mucusA fever of 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit in the day. Yellow and green mucus may, but not necessarily, indicate a bacterial infection. Other side effects include shortness of breath and wheezing, especially in the presence of cold air or strong odors. If your doctor suspects that your bronchitis may be bacteria, you may need mucus culture to determine if bacteria are present, as well as chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia. Bacterial bronchitis is treated with antibiotics.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a collection of more than 50 related infections in the lungs. Although viral or walking pneumonia is usually mild, a serious infection with bacterial pneumonia can be life-threatening because inflammation can interfere with the lungs' ability to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen. It may also cause fluid accumulation and the infection may spread out of the lungs. According to Cedars-Sinai, most pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Pneumonia usually occurs after a cold, and some of its early symptoms - such as cough and fever - may be mistaken for a cold. Chest pain, chest tightness, alternating chills, sweating and shortness of breath are often accompanied by pneumonia. A fever of 102 degrees or higher, a sudden deterioration of the cold or flu has begun to improve, suggesting that emphysema may be present. These symptoms must be immediately assessed by your doctor. Blood tests and mucus cultures can be ordered and you may need to have a chest X-ray or CT scan. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. To prevent bacterial infections, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for other forms of pneumonia.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can cause inflammation of the airways and tendons in the lungs. Muscles around the airway. Stimulation that causes inflammation also leads to excessive mucus production. Sputum and mucus cause a condition called bronchoconstriction that blocks the airway. Acute symptoms of asthma found in asthma attacks include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and short breathing difficulties. Although many different irritants and allergens can trigger asthma attacks, they can also be attacked by bacterial infections. Asthma can be life-threatening, and an acute episode is a medical emergency. Suspected asthma symptoms must be evaluated by a doctor.
