How to get rid of a chest infection
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Effective Strategies to Get Rid of a Chest Infection
Chest infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, can be debilitating and require a multifaceted approach for effective treatment. This article synthesizes current research on various methods to treat and manage chest infections, including antibiotic therapy, chest physiotherapy, and nutritional support.
Antibiotic Therapy for Chest Infections
Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ)
The combination of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) has been shown to be highly effective in treating chest infections caused by pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae and Diplococcus pneumoniae. Studies indicate that TMP-SMZ is superior to ampicillin in reducing sputum volume and purulence, and in eradicating pathogens from the sputum1 5. This combination is particularly effective in treating severe bronchitis, pneumonia, lung abscess, and bronchiectasis, with minimal side effects and no emergence of resistant strains1.
Peroperative Antibiotics
For patients undergoing cardiac operations, the use of peroperative antibiotics like cefamandole has been found to significantly reduce postoperative chest infection rates compared to cephradine4. This highlights the importance of selecting appropriate antibiotics to prevent infections in high-risk surgical patients.
Chest Physiotherapy for Pneumonia
Chest physiotherapy is commonly used as an adjunct treatment for pneumonia, especially in children. It aims to remove inflammatory exudates, tracheobronchial secretions, and airway obstructions to improve breathing and gas exchange. However, the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy remains uncertain due to the small number of trials and varying study characteristics2. Some studies have shown improvements in peripheral oxygen saturation levels with techniques like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and conventional chest physiotherapy, but overall, the evidence is of low quality and inconsistent2.
Nutritional Support for Elderly Patients
Nutritional status plays a crucial role in the recovery from chest infections, particularly in elderly patients. A study involving elderly patients with chest infections found that those who received nutritional supplementation (500 ml of Ensure liquid daily) showed significant improvements in well-being, functional status, and various nutritional indices compared to those who did not receive supplementation3. This suggests that nutritional support can be a valuable component of recovery, enhancing overall health and aiding in the resolution of infections.
Conclusion
Effective management of chest infections involves a combination of targeted antibiotic therapy, supportive chest physiotherapy, and nutritional support. TMP-SMZ has proven to be a potent antibiotic combination for various chest infections, while peroperative antibiotics can prevent postoperative infections in surgical patients. Although the benefits of chest physiotherapy are still under investigation, nutritional supplementation has shown promise in improving recovery outcomes, especially in the elderly. By integrating these strategies, patients can achieve better clinical outcomes and faster recovery from chest infections.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Use of combinations of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of chest infections.
Combinations of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole effectively treat chest infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Diplococcus pneumoniae, reducing sputum volume and purulence.
Chest physiotherapy for pneumonia in children.
Chest physiotherapy may improve breathing and reduce airway resistance in children with pneumonia, but its effectiveness in reducing mortality remains uncertain.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalNutritional status of elderly patients during recovery from chest infection and the role of nutritional supplementation assessed by a prospective randomized single-blind trial.
Nutritional supplementation may help elderly patients recover from chest infections by improving well-being, biochemical status, and anthropometric measurements.
RCT
Highly CitedPeroperative antibiotics in the prevention of chest infection following cardiac operations
A short peroperative course of cefamandole significantly reduces postoperative chest infection rates in patients undergoing cardiac operations.
RCTUSE OF COMBINATIONS OF TRIMETHOPRIM AND SULPHAMETHOXAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHEST INFECTIONS
TMP/SMX combinations are more effective in reducing sputum volume and purulence, and eradicating pathogens from sputum compared to ampicillin.
Non-RCT
Large Human TrialPostoperative chest wound infections in patients requiring coronary bypass. A controlled study evaluating prophylactic antibiotics.
Preoperative skin preparation and local antibiotic wound irrigation are key factors in preventing clean chest wound infections in patients undergoing coronary bypass angioplasty.
Observational StudyDrain the Chest for Chronic Infections
Postural drainage can help control chronic chest infections in Aboriginal communities by promoting self-care and self-management.
Cefuroxime in post-operative chest infections.
Cefuroxime effectively treats post-operative chest infections in 90% of patients, with a mean time to improvement or cure of 3.6 days and generally well-tolerated treatment.
Non-RCT