Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. In my opinion, you are not having chest infection. It is mostly bronchitis. You had exposure of chemical (paint material). On inhalation of this chemical, inflammatory reaction is seen trachea and bronchi. This causes bronchitis which in turn causes coughing, tightness in chest, catarrh, sore throat etc. So better to get done PFT (pulmonary function test). It will not only diagnose bronchitis but it will also tell you about severity of the disease. Inhaled treatment is the best treatment for bronchitis. Don t worry, you will improve with inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.