Chest Infections in Children
What is a chest infection?
A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways. It can affect the:
- Large airways (causing bronchitis), or
- Small air sacs in the lungs (causing pneumonia).
Chest infections often cause a build-up of mucus (phlegm), inflammation of the airways, and breathing difficulty. They are common in children, especially during winter and early spring.
Who is at risk?
Children most at risk include:
- Babies and toddlers under 5 years
- Children with underlying lung conditions (e.g. asthma )
- Children exposed to cigarette smoke
- Children with weak immune systems
Common symptoms
- Cough (often wet or productive)
- Fever, chills, or sweating
- Breathlessness or fast breathing
- Chest or tummy pain
- Loss of appetite or poor feeding
- Fatigue or irritability
- Green or yellow mucus
What causes chest infections?
Chest infections are most commonly caused by viruses (e.g. RSV, influenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus) or bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus pneumoniae or Mycoplasma). Viral infections are more common in younger children.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your doctor may examine your child’s chest, check their oxygen levels, and order tests such as a chest X-ray or blood tests if necessary.
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Viral infections: Usually improve with rest, fluids, and fever relief
- Bacterial infections: May need antibiotics
- Hospital care: Required in more severe cases (e.g. for oxygen support or intravenous treatment)
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