Respiratory infection: symptoms, treatment options, and quick help
A cough, shortness of breath, or chest tightness can be a simple cold — or the start of a worse lung infection. If symptoms get worse, last longer than about two weeks, or you have high fever, faster breathing, or blue lips, get medical help fast. Below I’ll give clear steps you can take at home, explain when antibiotics or inhalers matter, and point you to longer guides on our site.
What to watch for right now
Look for these red flags: trouble breathing, breathing faster than usual, chest pain, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, or a fever over 39°C (102°F). If any of these happen, call your doctor or go to an urgent care facility. For milder cases, note how many days you've been sick, whether symptoms are improving, and whether you already have asthma, COPD, heart failure, or a weakened immune system — those conditions change what a clinician will do.
At home, focus on comfort and smart self-care: stay hydrated, rest, use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever or aches (unless contraindicated), and use a humidifier or warm drinks for a tight chest. If you have asthma or COPD, use your inhaler as prescribed. If you don’t feel better after a few days, contact your provider — especially if symptoms are getting worse again after seeming to improve.
Treatment basics: antibiotics, inhalers, and alternatives
Most respiratory infections are viral and don’t need antibiotics. Antibiotics help only bacterial infections. If a doctor suspects a bacterial chest infection, they may offer amoxicillin (Amoxil) or alternatives. We cover antibiotic options and when each makes sense in our guide “Top 10 Effective Alternatives to Amoxil for Infections.” Read that if you want a clear comparison of common antibiotics and their typical uses.
For breathing problems, short-acting bronchodilators like Ventolin (salbutamol/albuterol) are common rescue inhalers. Some people need alternatives or combination inhalers. Our article “6 Alternatives to Ventolin in 2025” compares those options and explains when a different inhaler might help more. If you have heart or kidney issues, tell your clinician — fluid balance and diuretics can affect breathing, and alternatives matter.
Finally, don’t buy antibiotics or prescription inhalers without a proper prescription. If cost or access is a problem, check our pharmacy guides on trusted sources and safe buying tips. Use inhalers correctly — fast, shallow puffs don’t work. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist to show you how.
Want more? Read the linked guides on this tag page for deeper info about antibiotics and inhaler choices. If you’re worried about your child, an older relative, or have long-term lung disease, mention that right away when you seek care — it changes the safest treatment path.
