Chest infection?

Thanks for taking some time out to read this. Long story short - I'm new to asthma (diagnosed last Autumn) but the type I've developed is difficult to control (on Montelukast, and Fostair 100/6 x4 per day already, and suffered 2 attacks needing A&E in December). Following on from a Chest infection back in April (that took 2 steroid courses and some antibiotics to get shot of), I have started coughing up solid, green phlegm 2 weeks ago. Over the weekend I developed other symptoms on top of the cough; headaches and tiredness in the main. I don't have COVID-19, but I am worried the chest infection has reared it's ugly head again. I'm concerned about bothering the doctor (have gone from seeing him once a year, to every month and I'm very uncomfortable about it). I'm not used to handling illness alongside asthma - is this likely to go away on it's own or do I need to unhappily knock at my Dr's door again?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

Sorry to hear you’re not well. It sounds like you need to contact your GP. You don’t want the infection to truely set in then spiral you into needing a&e again. Right now it’s more important to keep on top of things, than to let things run their course. Call your GP and let them know what’s going on. They won’t mind!

Hope you feel better soon

[twinkly29]

I agree with EmmaF91. Definitely see your GP.

Do you officially know it's not covid, have you been tested?

Also if it is a chest infection it's just as likely to be a different one as the same one reoccurring - and indeed may be viral. But please contact your GP!

[Troilus]

Hi Ararcala. As you have had a cough for over a week and you are coughing green phlegm there is a strong possibility that you need another course of antibiotics. Green phlegm is a sign of a bacterial infection which antibiotics can fix. Your GP may want you to submit a sputum sample to help him decide which type of antibiotic is best for your type of infection or he might just go ahead and prescribe you a broad based antibiotic.

Either way you do need to contact him/her.

[Hidden]

Thank you so much to everyone who has responded. I’m going to give my GP a bell tomorrow. It’s wonderful of you all to spare the time and help out a relative newbie to all this ☺️

[Poobah]

One thing I try and impress on asthmatics is the need to follow up with their GP/asthma nurse after being on new meds to ensure they are working as expected or when a course of steroids & antibiotics doesn't do the trick. I had a virus back in February and have had two GP appointments and 3 follow up appts with the asthma nurse and she's going to check back with me again in a month's time. Asthma can be occasionally unpredictable and chest infections need prompt attention. Never feel bad about seeking treatment when you're poorly.

I hope you feel better soon. All the best.

[Jimmy-Lyden]

Hi, a simple way to decide if you have an infection is if the phlegm is green. If it's off white or clear, it'll probably mean your asthma needs a little help. Don't hang back, contact your GP.

Good luck!

[Josephone]

Hi Anarcala

Have you discussed with your Dr the possibility of having nucula injections every months. I’m extremely well now following monthly injections for my eusonofilic asthma. Hope that helps. Take care

Regards Jo