Cough, Cold and Chest Infection Care in Point Cook

Colds, bronchitis and pneumonia

A cold affects the nose and throat. A chest infection reaches the airways or lungs. Better Health Channel describes two main types: bronchitis, in the larger airways, and pneumonia, in the small air sacs of the lungs. Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are among the viruses that can cause them.

When to see a chest infection doctor in Point Cook

healthdirect advises seeing a doctor if:

• you are short of breath
• you have a temperature of 38°C or higher
• you are coughing up a lot of phlegm, or blood
• symptoms are not improving or are getting worse
• you have heart or lung disease, such as heart failure or asthma

A cough lasting more than four weeks should also be checked, according to the healthdirect cough guide.

Who is more at risk

Chest infections are more likely, and can be more serious, in babies and young children, pregnant women, older people, people who smoke, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system. If you are in one of these groups, see a GP sooner rather than later.

Babies and young children

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies under 12 months. Healthdirect advises taking your baby to a doctor or hospital if they are younger than 10 weeks, were born prematurely, have fast, noisy or difficult breathing, or are not feeding normally.

What the doctor checks

The GP asks about your symptoms and listens to your chest. Depending on what they find, they may arrange a sputum test, a nose or throat swab, blood tests or a chest X-ray. Swabs and blood can be collected at the onsite pathology centre.

Do I need antibiotics?

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and will not help a virus. If they are prescribed, finish the full course. For flu or COVID-19, antiviral medicine may be an option, especially for people over 65 or with other health problems, and it works best when started soon after symptoms begin. Other treatment may include a puffer to open the airways. A cough after bronchitis often lasts two to three weeks, and for some people as long as eight.

Looking after yourself at home

• rest and drink plenty of fluids
• use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches if they are safe for you
• avoid cigarette and vape smoke
• book a review if you are not improving within a couple of days of treatment

Call 000 or go to hospital

Go to an emergency department if you are very short of breath, it hurts to breathe or there is blood in your phlegm. Call 000 if someone cannot speak without gasping or has chest pain that does not go away.

Common questions