What we know so far about Queen’s chest infection

The Queen has been forced to call it quits and is resting at home after being diagnosed with a lung infection.

Chest infections—infections of the lungs or large airways—are common, especially after a cold or flu in the fall and winter.

Most chest infections are mild and go away on their own, but others can be severe and sometimes even life-threatening.

The most common symptoms of a respiratory tract infection include a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, coughing up phlegm, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain or tightness.

To relieve symptoms, people are advised to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

They may also use painkillers to relieve headaches, muscle pain, and reduce fever.

Home remedies may also include sleeping with extra pillows to make breathing easier and drinking a hot drink with lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat.

It is believed that 77-year-old Camilla is under medical supervision.

The main types of respiratory tract infections are bronchitis and pneumonia.

According to NHS Inform, most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses, while most cases of pneumonia are caused by bacteria.

If the Queen is diagnosed with a bacterial chest infection, she will be treated with antibiotics.

These drugs work by killing bacteria.

Antibiotics may be given with or without steroids, which help open the airways in the lungs and make breathing easier.

Antibiotics are not recommended for viral chest infections. But people with viral chest infections may be prescribed steroids.

A number of groups may be at higher risk of developing serious chest infections, including infants and very young children, children with developmental problems, overweight people, older adults, pregnant women, people who smoke, and people with long-term health problems. conditions.

Queen Camilla used to be a heavy smoker – a habit her husband Charles hated – but she quit many years ago.

Dr Andrew Whittamore, clinical director of the charity Asthma and Lung UK and a practicing GP, said: “A chest infection is an infection that affects the lungs or airways and symptoms include a chesty cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, and a high temperature. 38 degrees Celsius or higher, and chest pain or discomfort.

“Although most chest infections are not serious and last about three weeks, some can develop into more serious illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis. They can also worsen underlying health conditions such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
 
“Pneumonia is a type of respiratory tract infection that is the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions every winter, putting significant pressure on the NHS – symptoms can include cough, difficulty breathing, high temperature, chest pain and loss of appetite.

“The condition, usually caused by a bacterial infection or a virus such as influenza, results in swelling or inflammation of the tissue in one or both lungs. Although mild pneumonia can be treated with medication at home, in some cases pneumonia can be life-threatening and require hospital treatment.

“Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs that can be caused by infection, and it often goes away in about three weeks.
 
Dr Whittamore added: “Young children, people over 65 and children with existing lung conditions such as asthma or COPD may be more prone to chest infections. Among these groups, they can also be more severe because inflammation causes the airways to narrow, making it difficult to breathe.

“Also, young children and older adults may have a harder time getting rid of mucus because their body’s defenses in the lungs may not work as well.

“It’s important to see your GP if you think you have a respiratory tract infection, especially if you have a lung condition such as asthma.”

He added: “The best way to protect yourself from a respiratory tract infection is to stop smoking if you smoke, keep up to date with vaccinations, try to prevent the spread of infection, wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, and use tissues to catch infections.” germs when you cough or sneeze, and throw away used tissues as quickly as possible.”