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Chesty Cough

Unlike a dry cough, a chesty cough occurs when your lungs produce an excess of phlegm to help clear an infection.

This mucus accumulates in the chest, leading to discomfort and persistent coughing.

If you are dealing with a chesty cough or have concerns about your respiratory health, we are here to help you breathe easier and recover more quickly.

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The Basics Of A Chest Infection

The primary difference between a normal cough and a chesty cough often lies in the presence of an infection.

While a normal cough might result from airway irritation without an infection, a chesty cough is usually associated with an infection, which leads to the production of excess phlegm.

The phlegm, or mucus, is produced by the immune system in the lungs as the body attempts to clear the infection.

Key Symptoms To Monitor

Difficulty breathing.
Chest discomfort or tightness.
Persistent coughing with mucus production.
Wheezing or a rattling sound when breathing.
Fatigue due to disrupted sleep from coughing.

Red Flags To Watch For

It is extremely important to seek medical attention if you experience a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, a high fever or chills, or significant changes in the colour or amount of mucus.

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment.

When To See A Specialist

While many chesty coughs can be treated by general practitioners, certain symptoms may require specialised care. You should consider seeing a specialist if:

You experience chronic or severe symptoms despite treatment.
Your symptoms include weight loss, night sweats, or blood in mucus.
There are concerns about potential complications or underlying conditions.
You have a history of respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Benefits Of Addressing A Cough Early

Addressing a chesty cough early can prevent complications and promote faster recovery.

By intervening early, you can stop a mild cough from developing into a more serious condition, reducing the risk of progression.

Prompt management of symptoms also helps alleviate discomfort and improves your overall quality of life.

Additionally, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, ensuring a smoother and quicker recovery.

Infectious Causes Of Chesty Cough

Whooping Cough (Pertussis): A bacterial infection causing severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a “whooping” sound.
Respiratory Infections: Includes the common cold, flu, and pneumonia. These infections often lead to mucus production and coughing.
Bronchiectasis: A condition where the bronchial tubes are damaged and widened, causing chronic coughing and excessive mucus production.
Tuberculosis (TB): A serious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, leading to a persistent cough, sometimes with blood-stained sputum.
Asthma: Causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to mucus production and coughing, especially when triggered by allergens or irritants.
Chronic Bronchitis: A form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, resulting in excessive mucus production and a persistent cough.

Non-Infectious Causes Of Wet Cough

Environmental Irritants: Exposure to smoke, dust, pollution, or other irritants can trigger coughing and increase mucus production.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can irritate the throat and airways, leading to coughing that is often worse at night.
Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can lead to post-nasal drip, where mucus drips down the back of the throat, causing a cough.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Beyond chronic bronchitis, COPD includes emphysema, which also results in chronic coughing and mucus production.

Statistics

of UK adults experienced chronic cough during their lifetime

0 %

of All Doctors in the UK are GPs

0 %

GPs per 10000 people in the UK

times on average, a person sees a GP a year

What to do next

Make an appointment to see one of our specialists if you are experiencing symptoms of a chesty cough. The sooner you visit the doctor, the sooner you can get diagnosed and receive treatment.

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Why are chesty coughs referred to sometimes as ‘productive’ coughs?

This is because a chesty cough will bring up (produce) mucus from your chest into your throat.

What kinds of examinsations will the doctor perform if I have a cough?

The doctor will ask you about your past medical and family history, and inquire about associated symptoms. A physical exam includes listening to the lungs with a stethoscope. In some cases, you may be recommended to have a chest x-ray, lung function test (with a spirometer).

What are some possible causes of a chesty cough?

Chesty coughs are commonly caused by respiratory tract infections, colds, and flu, or infections caused by irritants such as dust, viruses, or bacteria. The symptoms are produced when phlegm builds up in the lungs and results in congestion.

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