Quick Answer

A chest infection usually feels like a heavy cold that has moved down into your lungs. The most common signs are a persistent cough, thick mucus (which may be yellow or green), shortness of breath, and a dull aching in your chest. Unlike a simple sore throat, a chest infection often comes with a fever and a general feeling of exhaustion that lasts for more than a few days.

Understanding Chest Infections

When we talk about a chest infection, we are usually talking about one of two things: bronchitis or pneumonia.

Bronchitis is an infection of the large airways (the tubes) that carry air to your lungs. It’s often caused by a virus.
Pneumonia is an infection deeper in the lungs, specifically in the tiny air sacs. This can be more serious and is often caused by bacteria.

The Main Symptoms to Watch For

Identifying a chest infection early can help you get the right treatment before things get worse. Here is what most people experience:

1. The Persistent Cough

This isn’t just a tickle in your throat. A chest infection cough is usually “productive,” meaning it brings up phlegm or mucus. This happens because your body is trying to clear the infection out of your airways. The mucus might be clear, but in many infections, it turns yellow, green, or even brown.

2. Difficulty Breathing

You might feel “winded” just by walking up a flight of stairs or moving around the house. This happens because the inflammation in your lungs makes it harder for oxygen to get into your bloodstream. You might also notice a whistling sound when you breathe, known as wheezing.

3. Chest Discomfort or Pain

Because you are coughing so much, the muscles in your chest can get sore. However, some people also feel a sharp pain when they take a deep breath or cough. This is often a sign that the lining of the lungs is irritated.

4. Fever and Body Aches

Since your immune system is working overtime to fight the “bugs” in your system, your body temperature will likely rise. You might experience:

High fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C).
Chills and shivering.
A “heavy” feeling in your limbs.
A pounding headache.

How to Tell the Difference: Cold vs. Chest Infection

It’s easy to confuse the two at first. However, a standard cold usually stays “above the neck” (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat). A chest infection stays “below the neck.”

Symptom	Common Cold	Chest Infection
Cough	Dry or mild	Deep, wet, and heavy
Mucus	Mostly clear	Yellow, green, or thick
Breathlessness	Rare	Common with activity
Duration	5–7 days	10–21 days

When Should You See a Doctor?

Most mild chest infections (like viral bronchitis) get better on their own with rest and fluids. However, you should call a healthcare provider if:

You are coughing up blood.
Your fever lasts longer than three days.
You feel very confused or disoriented.
You have a pre-existing condition like asthma or COPD.
Your skin or lips have a blueish tint (this is an emergency).

5 Steps to Recover at Home

If your symptoms are mild, your focus should be on helping your body fight the infection:

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to thin out the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to cough up.
Rest: Your body uses a lot of energy to fight infection. Sleep as much as you can.
Use a Humidifier: Moist air can soothe your airways and stop the “tight” feeling in your chest.
Prop Yourself Up: Sleep with extra pillows. Staying upright prevents mucus from settling in your lungs overnight.
Avoid Smoke: Stay away from cigarettes or strong fumes, as these will irritate your lungs further.