I am new here and need some explaination about chest problems.

[b-benv60]

Hello, I could never get a clear definition of the difference between CHEST INFECTION, LUNG INFECTION and PNEUMONIA. Doctors tend to say they are the same but it is obvious it is not. When I had a pneumonia last January everyone agreed that I had one and they all, hospital staff, doctors and GPs called it that way. Not long after last April I had what everyone called a chest infection and xrays showed a condensation in the lower part of my lungs. I was not taken to hospital and was told that I could go out and do whatever I felt like. I was very surprised and when I asked what was the difference between pneumonia and chest infection I was answered they are the same thing.

In Italy where I come from, they never use the term "chest infection" or lung infection. They determine if you have a pneumonia, a bronchitis or an inflammation. Can anyone give me some more specific definitions of these diseases than doctors are generally willing to give? I thank you very much BB

[lejaya]

Hi just wanted to say thanks for posting this, as i have always wondered this myself. Im sure someone will be along soon with some helpful answers.

I am always told I have a chest infection, even when I had pnemonia symptoms and diagnosed pleurisy. I have also had x-rays show infection but still the doc always says chest infection.

Lejaya

[b-benv60 in reply to lejaya]

Yes, let's hope someone can unravel this serious riddle!

[chjoss]

Yes, I'd like to hear the answer to this. I had pneumonia in January as well. Recovered but a second x-ray showed "condensation" in the lower part of my lungs, especially the right one also. I still don't feel right, my muscles around my lungs still ache and there has been some coughing. SO awaiting more replies on this post. Ciao, Caroline

[b-benv60 in reply to chjoss]

I feel exactly like you, Caroline. Although I came to Italy to breathe some air from the sea the Summer was so awful here that I feel very anxious about having some "chest infection" (whatever that is) again! When I had what everyone called pneumonia I was in hospital for 2 weeks with an oxygen mask etc. Maybe the difference is about the seriousness of the infection? And what about getting more and more of these infections? I heard of a self-immune form of lung infections that can be treated with cortisone. I will investigate in case I get sick again.

[Nillaa]

I am not a doctor but I suppose I could say from my own experience, the term 'chest infection' is broader than pneumonia in that a chest infection refers to both bronchitis (inflammation of air passages ) and pneumonia. On the other hand, a' lung infection' is pneumonia. In German for example the word for pneumonia is 'lung infection'. As for the severity of pneumonia or a lung infection, I have experienced two quite severe cases of pneumonia, where I had awful pain in my rib cage and felt as is my upper body had collapsed accompanied by a very high fever. I could not sit or stand at all and lying down was very painful. The pain is often so severe that it radiates to my arms and I can't move my arms. In these cases doctors here in Turkey called it 'pneumonia' (but it is basically a lung infection) I have also had infections in my lungs (as I am having right now) where the infection is caught at an early stage and I have a much lower temperature with mild pleurisy and am mobile. My doctor called this an 'infection in my lung' although the bacteria found in my sputum is Streptococcus Pneumoniae. I suppose he could have called it 'pneumonia' too. So maybe doctors in some languages use pneumonia or lung infection depending on the severity of the disease. (?) However, a chest infection is a much broader term thus not as specific as pneumonia, which refers to an infection of the lungs.

[lyn3]

Hi, there are 2 types of chest infection, one is a virus which is the reason for bronchitis,which isnt dangerous it usually goes away after a week or so and dont need anti biotics the other is bacteria which is the reason for pneumonia.which is dangerous if not treated. Pluerisy is an inflammation of the pleura which is next to the lung caused by a viral infection So they are all associated with sickness to the lungs but they are different types of sickness. Hope this helps..

[b-benv60 in reply to lyn3]

Thank you lyn3, from what you say I understand that a 'chest infection' is what we call bronchitis in Italy and is viral. But things are more complicated because there is 'viral pneumonia' as well so the question is if 'chest infection' includes the lungs and therefore pneumonia. The other question for me is the difference between a 'lung infection' and pneumonia.

I have almost given up understanding this!