Advice required!!

I have a chest infection atm that has triggered off my asthma and am taking anti b's and pred. I still seem to have alot of gunge on my chest that I simply cannot cough up. I have tried steam inhalation and it hasnt helped to loosen it that much. Does anyone have any ideas what else I can try?

Em

xxx

ps how long does it usually take for the anti b's and pred to make a difference? I have been on them since thursday and not that much difference.

[Hidden]

i sometimes find a hot bath steamy bath works quite well to shift gunk of my chest!! Ab's and pred should kick in soon!!!

[Hidden]

I will try that before I go to bed tonight- hopefully with the aim of an entire nights sleep!!

Thanks

xx

ps does anyone with a pharmacology hat...ahem em h....have any idea how long said drugs are supposed to take to work.

[Hidden]

I will try that before I go to bed tonight- hopefully with the aim of an entire nights sleep!!

Thanks

xx

ps does anyone with a pharmacology hat...ahem em h....have any idea how long said drugs are supposed to take to work.

[Hidden]

Hi wherrers,

Steam inhalation combined with use of bronchodilators, and then a concerted effort to deep breath and cough effectively straight after this, should be sufficient to shift sputum in most cases. There are various techniques such as 'huffing' or postural drainage that can help, but these should really be taught by a physiotherapist, and should be used with caution as they can provoke bronchospasm in some asthmatics. Don't be tempted to try commercial 'cough medicine', except perhaps a basic soothing syrup like simple linctus, as most cough medicines are not usually effective and can be contraindicated with asthma medication or make things worse.

As for how long it should take for the pred and antibiotics to kick in - it does vary from person to person and according to the nature and severity of the infection. It's worth noting that the 'gunk' can often hang around for a few days after the infection, so if you are feeling better in yourself, it may be that the infection is clearing and you are just battling with the aftereffects. Nevertheless, if things haven't dramatically improved by Monday morning, it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for an emergency appointment with your GP or asthma nurse. Obviously, if things deteriorate, or your reliever inhaler is not as effective as usual, or you are worried in any way, you should seek medical attention urgently by dialling 999.

Hope this helps and you feel better soon

Em H

[Hidden]

Have you put anything like karvol or olbus oil in the bowl of steam. I usually find that helps. I find that karvol is ok for me but olbus oil sets off my asthma (not really sure why). I tend to take my reliever before I do the steam inhalation as well and use a towel over my head. I also try to make myself cough by breathing in the steam deeply.