Chest infection

A persistent cough with phlegm, sometimes a fever. Most clear, some need treatment.

Speak to a GP about a chest infection From £79

In short

Most chest infections are viral and settle without antibiotics, but some are bacterial or tip into pneumonia. A GP can assess the likely cause, treat where appropriate, and make sure the warning signs aren't missed.

Overview

What is chest infection?

A chest infection affects the airways or lungs. The milder, common form is acute bronchitis, usually viral, causing a productive cough after a cold. The more serious form is pneumonia, an infection of the lung tissue that makes you more unwell and often needs antibiotics. Telling them apart, and spotting when it's serious, is the key.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

A persistent cough, often bringing up green or yellow phlegm
Chest discomfort or a rattly chest
Breathlessness or wheeze
Fever, aches, and tiredness
A cough that lingers after a cold

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if a cough with phlegm isn't improving, you have a fever, or you have asthma or COPD and are flaring. Call 999 for severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, or confusion.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

Severe breathlessness, or breathing that's fast or a struggle (call 999)
Chest pain, coughing up blood, or blue lips (call 999)
Confusion or drowsiness, especially in older adults
A high fever with fast breathing (possible pneumonia)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

An assessment of your symptoms and risk factors
Advice distinguishing a chest infection from a lingering viral cough
Safety-netting on the warning signs of pneumonia
Antibiotics where there are clear features of a bacterial chest infection
Advice for people with asthma or COPD on managing a flare
Guidance on when an in-person assessment or chest examination is needed

What we don't do

Emergency treatment of severe breathing problems (call 999)
Chest X-rays and hospital investigations (referred to NHS)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about a chest infection starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about chest infection

Do I need antibiotics for a chest infection?

Not always. Many chest infections (acute bronchitis) are viral and clear on their own. Antibiotics help bacterial infections and are more likely needed if you're frail, have a lung condition, or show signs of pneumonia.

How long should a cough last?

A cough after a chest infection can linger for up to 3-4 weeks even once the infection has gone. A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, or with other red flags, should be assessed.

When is it pneumonia?

Pneumonia is more likely with a high fever, fast breathing or breathlessness, chest pain, and feeling very unwell. It needs prompt assessment, and sometimes a chest examination or X-ray.

Can this be assessed online?

Often yes, but some cases need listening to your chest in person. We'll tell you if an in-person appointment or urgent care is the safer option.

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Ready to talk to a GP about a chest infection?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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