getting over a chest infection, still breathless and activity

[Ash123445]

hi all, so about 2 weeks ago I had a really bad cold and a chest infection. I had antibiotics but it didn’t really help so they gave me some different ones that I started yesterday. I have noticed that I’m getting out of breath quicker than I normally would. I know this could be because of the infection but my anxiety does make me worry. I did 2 mins of skipping this morning and was really out of breath but recovered in around 4/5 mins. How long can the effects of a chest infection last?

Thanks for reading

[teddyd]

Having absolutely no medical background. I would have thought while you are recuperating skipping was maybe not a good idea.

[peege in reply to teddyd]

Agree with teddyd, I definitely wouldn't be skipping during or for 4 weeks after an infection ¹ especially if it needed a second course of abs! Gentle walking and stretches for me, little and often. I'm rather hoping your gp is giving you 10 to 14 days of abs and not the 5 days people without lung issues might be px.......

[Homely2 Administrator]

It normally takes a month minimum for me to recover, all has to be done slowly

[Mandevilla in reply to Homely2]

Me too. And I've learned the hard way that if I push myself to recover faster, it ends up taking longer!

[Helloeveryone_]

I agree slowly and surely it’s so tempting to rush around the minute you feel better but it can take a bit of time.

[Ash123445]

thanks for all the comments. So I’m on trimbow for my asthma. 34 yrs old and I am overweight also. It’s a 10 day course of amoxicillin

[ellamental in reply to Ash123445]

Hi. Of course everyone is different but amoxicillin is the cheapest, most basic antibiotic (I think) and has never worked for me .. just gave me a dodgy tummy. Doxycycline works for me and I am sure there are other good antibiotics? They tend to give you a few days which is just not enough .. for a chest infection with asthma 2 weeks is ideal. Perhaps you could have a tel conversation with a GP and get him/her to swap and give more antibiotics. As others here have said....I also would not be skipping. I am just getting over covid now which became a chest infection and I am fine mostly but still a bit breathless 3 weeks on. Last time I had a chest infection I stupidly went to the Barbican and got to the top of all those stairs and could hardly walk but I was stubborn and not going to miss Nicola Benedetti! Do take it more easy than you think you need to... you can skip when you are fully recovered. Take care.

[Mandevilla]

If you have been trying to exercise regularly and are worried about losing momentum, I would suggest exercising at the same time as usual but more gently - go for a walk or, if you feel worse outside, try walking around your home (up and down stairs if you have them!). Time enough to go back to the skipping when you are fully recovered, but don't push yourself. Especially if exercise is a trigger for you normally.

[JD2k9]

Ask your GP if could change your antibiotics to tablet antibiotics are much stronger than capsule antibiotics re if doesn't help

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to JD2k9]

Hi, do you have a source for that information relating to antibiotics? I would have thought it was about the type of antibiotic rather than the type of tablet or capsule - though I do see capsules are faster and tablets of anything *may* be stronger but not necessarily: healthline.com/health/capsu...

I agree in general that if antibiotics aren't working then people should go back to their doctor as it may need changing - though it looks as if Ash123445 has already done that.

[JD2k9]

I weeze after take both inhalers salomol salbutamol & fostair would recommend exhaling inhaling exhaling has your holding inhaler in has when exhale out inhale quick has your pressing to release dose few pumps has inhale quickly hold your breath 10 second then exhale

[JDC01]

Hi, maybe book an asthma review to check you’re on the best medication for you and also to check your inhaler technique. Hope you feel better soon.

[Chip_y2kuk]

It depends on the infection at its best I've been mostly better towards the end of the antibiotics

At its worst after multiple courses of antibiotics, steroids or both together and still been breathless/recovering for a few months afterwards