Chest infection still! What next?

[Ladypig8]

Hi, just wondering if anyone had any suggestions- I had flu I think, then bacterial chest infection, 1 week amoxicillin and 1 week clarithromycin and prednisolone (asthma had flared up - I’m on fostair and montelukast and had been well managed for 2 years) . Just as I’ve finished the last tablets of antibiotics and steroids I’m starting to feel worse again. Coughing increased to clear lungs of phlegm and my back is painful when I cough, seems I have to cough more and harder to clear my lungs. I’m going to try and get a GP appointment tomorrow, what should I be asking for? Thanks very much

[Homely2 Administrator]

It is relatively routine for one round of meds to not be enough, so your GP will not be surprised to see you back. Before your appointment ring the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800, they open at 9.15. They will help you work out what you want when you see your GP.

[Ladypig8 in reply to Homely2]

Thanks loads this is reassuring, thanks!

[Itswonderful in reply to Homely2]

Do not despair. I think this particular round of Respiritory infections has been hard to clear. I'm on my fourth lot of antibiotics for the same thing as you describe. Started with amoxicillin then two weeks of doxycycline and now clarithromycin. Also had two weeks of prednisone. I felt like I was drowning because of all the infection in my lungs. So don't be afraid to go back to your GP as many times as you need to to clear this infection. I have also made the decision that I cannot socialise during the winter months. There are just too many infections around and antibiotic resistance is on the rise. I hope you feel much better soon. Best wishes.

[Ladypig8 in reply to Itswonderful]

Thanks so much, hope you feel better soon!

[Itswonderful in reply to Itswonderful]

Thank you. You too.

[Patk1]

Do insist on appointment to check chest.i often find the effects of inflammation linger causing extra mucous.i always say whn asked how I feel at that stage " I actually feel worse,not as ill,but drowning".x

[Ladypig8 in reply to Patk1]

Thanks very much, they have said if not better in a few days I need an x ray, fingers crossed the drugs work well this time - been given different antibiotics and more steroids.

[gregg77]

Try Doxycycline that is the only thing that cleared mine, can give you a rash a week after, use steroid cream to clear that up.

[Ladypig8 in reply to gregg77]

I am very thankful there are stronger antibiotics, hopefully it’ll sort it out once and for all fingers crossed, thanks very much for the advice.

[Chip_y2kuk]

Doxycycline... broad spectrum nasty antibiotic.... and a course of prednisolone probably won't hurt either (will make it easier to breathe quicker, but let any infection run riot a bit easier so mamy gps will be hesitant)

Doxycycline is also the 3rd line for chest infections (broad spectrum but longest list of side effects so least used)

With the order being:

Amoxycillin

Clarithromycin (or of you can't have amoxycillin because of the penicillin)

Doxycycline

As you've had two lots of antibiotics already it's probably worth going heavy with the Doxycycline if you can persuade the doctor.... the normal dosing is 2 tablets on day 1 and 1 a day until they are all gone (for 7 days, 8 tablets in total)

But you can also take 2 a day for 10-14 days ... which will eradicate most things (sadly as antibiotics are indiscriminate this includes good bacteria)

[Ladypig8 in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Thanks so much, I’ve been given Doxycycline and more steroids, it’s reassuring to know this is a standard path. Hopefully this is the last round of antibiotics!

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Ladypig8]

It is nice to know that your not the only one and although it doesn't feel like it there is almost a "set plan" that most GP's will follow.

Hope you're starting to feel better soon l

[CallysMum]

I've just started my second round of pred and antibiotics, had the horrible cough for 4 weeks now. It seems to be a particularly tenacious bug. Hopefully you'll be clear of it soon.

[Ladypig8 in reply to CallysMum]

Thanks - get well soon! I have forgotten what it’s like to not be coughing all the time!

[ReedB]

Not you too! Since November I've had three rounds of antibiotics and pred. The last antibiotics, Clarithromycin sorted the infection but I've been battling esophagal thrush since... Definitely been a nasty virus/chest infection going around this year. Keep going back to the GP if need be xxx

[Motorman]

I am in the same boat, flu like symptoms, then the cough. I am on Fostair and Montelukast and Salbutamol and Spiriva. I am now also on antibiotics and prednisone, but only a three day course, no doubt I will be back at the GPs soon, hope you feel better soon, keep on coughing, we have no options Geoff