Medical Definition of Chest cold

Chest cold: : A nonmedical term used to refer to symptoms often accompanying a viral infection that involves the chest. Chest colds can lead to cough (a cough that causes sputum production). These symptoms are actually characteristic of bronchitis (inflammation of the airways to the lungs with increased mucus production), and the term "chest cold" is often used to refer to bronchitis. It is not uncommon for a common cold to progress to bronchitis.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=97586
Last Editorial Review: 6/9/2016