HomeHealthCommon Cold and Chest Infection: Difference, Symptoms , Treatment.

Common Cold and Chest Infection: Difference, Symptoms , Treatment.

Difference between Common Cold and chest infection:
A common cold is a viral illness that affects the upper respiratory tract. A person is usually infected with a cold or flu initially, followed by a chest infection if it has the potential to become persistent. Chest infection is a respiratory illness that affects the lower respiratory tract and the bronchial tubes. Viruses and bacteria can both cause chest infections. Inflammation of the airways (tubes) that convey air to the lungs is referred to as a chest infection.

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According to the professional:

There are two sorts of chest infections: bronchitis and pneumonia, according to Dr. Randeep Guleria. Pneumonia can penetrate deeper and impact the lung tissues, whereas bronchitis just affects the bronchial tube that transports air to the lungs. The majority of instances of bronchitis and pneumonia can both be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungus. Symptoms of pneumonia are typically more severe than those of bronchitis.

Symptoms of common cold:


The symptoms of a chest infection and a cold might both include a mild temperature, body aches, a cough, and weakness. However, there are other symptoms specific to chest infections, such as breathing difficulties, chest congestion, a heaviness in the chest, etc.

Few symptoms are unique to the common cold and are not present in chest infections. Sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and watery eyes are symptoms of a common cold brought on by an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Since the common cold mostly affects the upper respiratory tract, a person may not cough while suffering from the illness. Depending on the person, a common cold might linger for 6-7 days.

Symptoms of chest infection:

Due to the infection’s tendency to enlarge the bronchial passages, cough is frequently one of the symptoms of a chest infection. But chest infections can hurt and irritate you a lot. Many people may continue to have symptoms for longer than two weeks due to the lower respiratory tract being affected, since it takes time for mucus to entirely clear out of the nose channel.

 Treatment:


Colds and chest infections don’t have any specific medical treatments. Additionally, it is advised to avoid taking antibiotics because they frequently fail to treat viral infections. The best course of action in these situations is to get lots of rest, consume warm liquids like soups and water, avoid caffeine, and inhale steam from a hot water bowl. The use of nasal sprays can provide momentary symptom alleviation by alleviating breathing difficulties and plugged noses. The use of a humidifier can also assist in thinning the mucus and preserving the body’s temperature. A seasonal flu vaccine should be discussed with a family physician.

Preventing chest infection and a common cold

According to Dr. Guleria, respiratory droplets can transmit a viral illness from one person to another while they are speaking and in touch with infected surfaces. When someone touches their face, nose, or mouth after coming into contact with such surfaces, they risk being sick.

Here are some recommendations for avoiding chest infections:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating and whenever you contact your lips or face. This will boost immunity and keep germs and viruses out of the body.
Keep your distance from the sick individual if they are at home. Additionally, the individual should cover their mouth while coughing or sneezing. This will stop the airborne transmission of infectious respiratory droplets.
For the immune system to be strengthened, a healthy, balanced diet is essential.

 

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