When should I see GP for a cough?

[Esad]

Partner started with what we think is the flu, aching bones, temp, chills, headache, tired, dry cough. Day later, I started with the same but a chesty cough.I'm now at day 5, still have chills headache and cough. The cough hurts my chest, I feel wheezy and rattly on breathing both in and out, though im not sure if it can be heard by others. I can't seem to get any mucus up, though it feels like there's plenty!!

My asthma symptoms have increased, but my inhaler every 4 hours helps keep it under control (as per asthma MART plan) though I still get out of breath easily when moving around e.g. going to the loo.

The cough is not getting any better, am i just being impatient? I know antibiotics won't work if it's viral, and I'm guessing if it's the flu, it'll be viral. So how would I know if and when I should see the GP or not?

Sorry if it's a silly question, this is the first time I've been ill like this since being diagnosed with asthma. I don't want to fuss unnecessarily, but don't want to wait too late.

[Crazy_plant_lady]

Get it checked to be on the safe side. Not worth risking it getting worse x

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

You're right that antibiotics won't help a viral infection, but it sounds like whatever this is is setting off your asthma whether it's viral or bacterial. That needs attention whatever the reason. So I would contact your GP and say you have an infection of some kind that's setting off your asthma. You can make it clear you know it might be viral so you'll leave the decision on whether antibiotics are appropriate to them.

Also worth bearing in mind that sometimes a viral infection can lead to a bacterial one. So again you might not need antibiotics right now, but if it hangs around for a couple of weeks and seems to get worse then there may be a point where they would help.

Either way, see the GP now for help with your asthma, but don't hesitate to go back if you're not getting better/seem to be getting worse or have new symptoms.

You can also call the asthma nurse helpline if you're not sure about anything and want to talk it through. They can't give you direct medical advice but can help you work out what to do and how to approach your GP if you have any problems getting the asthma side of things addressed. 0300 2225800 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

[Esad in reply to Lysistrata]

Good plan, thank you. I didn't know that something that's viral can lead to something bacterial, so that's useful to know, too.

We have to fill in an online assessment form to be triaged at the GP anyway, so ideal place to put all the facts, and they can decide what to do next.

[Patk1 in reply to Esad]

Signs of infection can include asthma getting worse,increased amount of mucous,usually thicker+ change in colour,pulse may be faster,higher/ lower temp.If u think u are getting worse,do ring 111.flu & viral cough can linger.q few people here have been ill around xmas/ new year.do drink extra fluids,helps to thin mucous,reduce temp etc.rest up til u improve x

[Cobham]

Bacterial bugs are opportunistic and hop onboard when defenses are down with a viral attack. If still in trouble by end of week two that is prob the secondary infection and then useful to have antibiotic to see it on its way.

[Esad in reply to Cobham]

Ohh, ok. Sneaky bacteria!! Only day 7 now, so just the initial bug then I reckon!

[Cobham in reply to Esad]

Yep but at least antibiotic will deal with bacterial infection unlike viral. Plenty of liquids, Vit C also good measures and check Vit D levels but you would need two weeks to boost to decent level. A daily dose thru winter would be good idea.

[Esad in reply to Cobham]

I've been taking berrocca for about 4 months now. No idea if it's helping, but it tastes nice!

[lovethemountains]

Everyone's path is different, but if I'm sick, I go as soon as possible. If I'm just wheezing, I might put it off until Thursday or Friday to see see if it stops, but if not, I go before the weekend.

[Esad in reply to lovethemountains]

Do you ever get 'moaned' at as such for going? I worry I'm overreacting or something, even though I know I'm not!

[lovethemountains in reply to Esad]

not yet. I've waited too long in the past.

[Lee_vee11]

hi, I’ve had a dry cough and coughing fits for 6 weeks now been told it’s viral which is annoying as nothing can be done

[Patk1 in reply to Lee_vee11]

Tspn clear honeys gd for coating throat + I find gargling cold water helps to relieve spasms in throat that can set coughing off xx

[Cobham]

I find a hot drink even hot water relaxes a spasm. Also whiskey! and swear by some eucalyptus pastilles.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Cobham]

Just to add my experience, I've discovered Olbas oil now triggers my asthma and wondered if it may be the eucalyptus in it - though I just looked it up and found it's got juniper in it too, which seems like another likely culprit as I can't go near gin!

Either way, anyone reading this please just be cautious with anything over the counter that has essential oils or plants in it as they can catch asthma by surprise. Obviously if you know you're ok with something it doesn't apply, but I've discovered quite a few things that are triggers the hard way with no warning.