Male Chest

Chest Infection

Chest infections are very common. Often a specific cause can’t be identified but viruses and bacteria are usually responsible.

There are certain factors which can make people more susceptible to chest infections, including:

• Lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis.
• Reduced immune systems and therefore lowered resistance to infection e.g. people with cancer, diabetes, heart problems.
• Reduced mobility.
• Smoking.
• Exposure to animal germs e.g. the rare condition psittacosis (parrot fever) caught from infected birds.
• Chest surgery which carries a risk of post-operative infection.

Symptoms of a chest infection include:

• A persistent, chesty cough (the most common symptom)
• Coughing up mucus (phlegm)
• Breathlessness
• High temperature or fever
• Chest pain
  

For further detailed information, visit

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=526


To find out about the range of treatments available for a chest infection then you will need to consult your doctor

Cough

A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus, phlegm and irritants, such as dust, smoke or a foreign body.

A cough can be caused by inflammation of your upper respiratory tract (throat and windpipe) due to a viral infection. A viral infection can be a common cold, flu, laryngitis or bronchitis. Coughs caused by the common cold or the flu usually clear up after a few days. However a cough which is caused by a lung infection, such as bronchitis, may be present for several weeks after the infection has gone due to inflammation in the airways.

A bad cough is the main symptom of a viral infection, such as the cold or flu. The cough can be very irritating, and may keep you awake at night and make your chest hurt.

If you have bronchitis, a cough will usually develop a few days after the other symptoms of the infection. These may include:

• Aching muscles
• Wheezing
• A shortness of breath
• Generally feeling unwell
  

For further detailed information, visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=495

Heartburn (Pyrosis)

Heartburn is a painful or burning sensation in the oesophagus, caused by the regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest, and may travel to the neck, throat and occasionally the jaw. Heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart; it is only called so due to the location of the burning sensation of the breastbone where the heart is located.

Heartburn feels like a painful tightening or burning sensation, which can make swallowing uncomfortable. Some people may get a taste of acid in the back of their throats. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person.

For further detailed information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartburn

Hiccups

Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. As the muscle contracts repeatedly, the opening between your vocal cords close to check the inflow of air and this makes the hiccup sound. Irritation of the nerves that extend from the neck to the chest can cause hiccups.

Although associated with a variety of ailments (some can be serious such as pneumonia), most are not serious and there are no clear reasons for occurring.

For further detailed information, visit http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hiccups/article_em.htm



Angina

Angina is pain and discomfort in the heart which occurs when the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. Angina is usually a symptom of coronary heart disease.

The main symptoms are:

• Pain and discomfort in the chest
• Feeling sick
• Feeling exhausted
• Sweating
• Breathlessness

For further information, visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=23&sectionId=10


To find out about the range of treatments available for angina then you will need to consult your doctor

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease which makes breathing and coughing a difficulty. Exertion, the cold, smoke, airway infection and allergies can trigger asthma attacks at any time.

The main symptoms are:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Mucus when coughing

For further information, visit http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/asthma.htm


To find out about the range of treatments available for asthma then you will need to consult your doctor

 

Breathlessness

Breathlessness is the feeling of being out of breath and usually occurs in healthy people who exert themselves. It also occurs in people who have a lack in fitness.

For further information, visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=65&sectionId=1


To find out about the range of treatments available for breathlessness then you will need to consult your doctor

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease occurs when there is a build-up of fatty material in the arteries which supply the heart with blood. Coronary heart disease is hereditary but there are also some other causes. High cholesterol, tobacco abuse, obesity, high blood pressure and a high-fat diet are other causes.

The main symptoms are:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Dizziness 
•  Irregular heartbeat

For further information, visit http://www.emedicinehealth.com/coronary_heart_disease/page3_em.htm


To find out about the range of treatments available for coronary heart disease then you will need to consult your doctor

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The first symptoms of pneumonia are usually those of a cold followed by a fever.

The main symptoms are:

• Chest pain
• Worsening cough
• Headaches
• Muscle aches

For further information, visit http://www.medicinenet.com/pneumonia/article.htm


To find out about the range of treatments available for pneumonia then you will need to consult your doctor

Flu

Flu is a disease in the lungs and upper airways caused by an infection of the flu virus. 

The main symptoms are:

For further information, visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=163&sectionId=1

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