Anti biotics and chest infections.

[lizwright]

Can anyone tell me why antibiotics are recommended for chest infections for many people with heart problems? If I get any sort of chest infection it always gets much, much worse. My consultant told me to get antibiotics straight away but then I get big lecture from GP so I left it last time and became very ill. Not sure what to do next time.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

This is from the webpage of the Cleveland Clinic and was just out today as one of the 4 types of meds that people with heart disease should avoid. In the antibiotic category:

"Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It is sold under the name of Zithromax® and Zmax® and is commonly called a Z-Pak®.

A recent study found that azithromycin may cause changes in the electrical system of the heart, which can lead to arrhythmia or a rapid heartbeat. Patients at particular risk for developing this condition include those with known risk factors such as existing QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or use of certain drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias.

The Federal Drug Administration reports that other antibiotics in the same class as azithromycin, called macrolide antibiotics, have similar side effects. It would be advisable to discuss any concerns about macrolide antibiotics with your cardiologist."

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Liz, this is all a bit contentious I think . A recent pan European study showed that antibiotics for chest infections were of little use and in fact probably contribute to the number of organisms which are resistant to antibiotics. It showed that people got better regardless of taking them or not which is basically what my old style GP told me years ago. The exceptions are obviously pulmonary problems like pneumonia etc. but normal coughs are not cured by them.

You seem to be caught between two doctors, the GP apparently being the most up to date with news. I think if things got worse I would ask for a chest X ray to see if it is actually a lung infection or just a cough.

BobD

[lizwright]

I did ask for xray and it was OK and they did give me antibiotics finally and I was soon was much better. It is a really respected heart hospital advising me to use anti biotics as I really don't get better, I get so bad I end up having to take steroids which I don't want to do. But it seems to create such issues with the GP and as I said then end up having to take steroids to breathe at their advice.

I just wondered if anyone has any direct experience of this in with their own health. How quickly do you get over infections? I just don't. I really tried this time and did everything that you are supposed to do and four weeks later I am so bad breathing wise it is scary.

[tullowman]

hi liz my other half had recurring infections we asked for her to b given intravenous antibiotics at first the consultant said she dident need them the following week end she was so bad I took her to a&e the young doc said u need intravenous anticbiotics what a difference now the chest infections are months apart instead of every few weeks it might not b 4 u but worth asking about it

[lizwright]

Thank you, Really helpful. Have also been talking to a vet friend who said 4-6 weeks not considered that long for antibiotics in animal world but doctors under pressure not to prescribe. I am going to be a lot tougher next time as I am not going through this again. Was told by one of the GPs that it was just minor discomfort when you get a chest infection when in fact for me, its sitting up all night remembering to breath as if I lie down I choke. I was furious. I was on verge of going to a and e although I hate to do so but hospital doctors usually more able to deal with things like this. I'm still angry as how long can you let something go on for before you realise it isn't going to get better, only worse?

[dirose]

I neglected a chest infection for weeks, thinking it was a viru s, or flu, it was January. It got worse, I had headaches and fever, every day, I didn't take anything,nor did I go to the doctor. hen I became so breathless I went blue! The ambulance men said I might not have lasted another ten minutes.! In hospital (intensive care-high independency unit)' I was on an intravenous antibiotic drip for several days, Along with other intravenous substances, I was very ill indeed. I was told that if I were to think I might have a chest problem again, to go straight onto antibiotics and steroids, and was prescribed an 'emergency pack'. And of course, to get it checked out straight away.

[paslode10]

Ampicillin is what I am prescribed and I have Dilated Cardiomyopathy

[dirose in reply to paslode10]

This Ampicillin; is it for chest infections, and ok to use with AF condition? I get both of these, and very few antibiotics are tolerated by my stomach and digestive system. I get mouth ulcers, and all sorts?

So on the lookout for a suitable antibiotic. Can you let me know please?

[Mazza23 in reply to dirose]

I have chest infection at the moment am on ampicillin I also have lqts so have to be very careful what I take but this seems ok

[lizwright]

You have all been so helpful. I'm fine now but its left me tireder than usual, not great to cope with af and one and a half jobs. I am determined this won't happen again so am going to go back to hospital and get chapter and verse so that when I inevitably feel a chest infection coming on I can stand my ground at my GPs. Thank you all so much.

[dirose in reply to lizwright]

You can request the standard 'emergency pack' as recommended by the respiratory doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists. It 's a pack of antibiotics and a short course of steroids; Designed to nip an infection 'in the bud' until you can get an x ray or an examination by a respiratory person, to confirm the condition and prescribe the necessary action.

[lizwright]

I didn't even know there was such a thing. This has all helped so much.