Can a chesty cough turn to pneumonia?
Symptoms and Causes of Chesty Coughs
A chesty cough is a type of cough which is usually caused by an infection of the chest or airways. It is also known as a ‘productive’ cough because it produces a lot of mucus or phlegm. Common causes of chesty coughs include the common cold, flu, bronchitis, sinus infection and asthma. Symptoms of a chesty cough include a tightness in the chest, a rattling sound when you breathe and a thick, greenish-yellow phlegm.
Can Chesty Cough Lead to Pneumonia?
In some cases, a chesty cough can lead to bacterial pneumonia. This is because the infection which is causing the chesty cough can spread to the lungs if it isn’t treated. Bacterial pneumonia can be serious and can even be life-threatening if it is left untreated. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include chest pain, a high temperature, chills and fatigue.
Treating Chesty Coughs
The best way to prevent a chesty cough from turning into pneumonia is to treat it early and properly. This means taking any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or inhalers, as directed. You should also drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days then you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible.