Chest infection ??

[Erin001]

Hi, how is everyone doing??

I am a chronic asthmatic and recently I have started coughing a lot but it doesn't sound asthmary I sometimes take my inhaler which seems to ease it for a little bit

Could it be a chest infection or just a cough

Any advice would be appreciated

Thx in advanced

[onamission]

Sorry your not feeling good I would try and see your GP at least he can listen to your chest to rule out a chest infection

[Erin001 in reply to onamission]

Ok I just don't want to go unless it's totally necessary to do so

I have messaged my asthma specialist she hasn't replied yet

Thx for ur quick response

[Erin001 in reply to Erin001]

It helps hearing other opinions too so I don't feel silly going to doctors for a cough

That is why this site is so helpful

[onamission in reply to Erin001]

Don't see it as wasting a GP's time if you need antibiotics its far better to be safe than sorry

[Erin001 in reply to onamission]

Ok thx you very much

PS: I like the dog on your profile picture very cute dog is it ur dog or an image of the internet

[onamission in reply to Erin001]

Thank you its my dog sadly she's no longer with us

[scorpiolass]

It would not hurt to see a Nurse or Dr. I hope you feel better soon. X

[peege]

Hi, I think you should get someone to listen to your chest, you can't muck about with chronic asthma. I'm still learning, had an exacerbation recently, lots of coughing. It's always touch & go whether it becomes an infection - or not. The peak flow is a useful tool. Know your usual flow and if it drops & stays down its possibly an affection brewing.

I work at keeping my airways open, the mucus as fluid as possible (carbocysteine, raising daily Fostair dose & drinking plenty) and chuck loads of vitamin c down. It seems to be working this time.

Never feel silly for going to a GP with a cough when you've a doggy set of lungs - they're paid to do a job - it would cost the NHS a lot more if we get ill 😃

[gingermusic]

There seems to be a terrible cough going the rounds at the moment. Both my youngest grand children have it as do I and none of us is getting much sleep as we cough as soon as lay down. We have all been told its not a chest infection the little ones it is apparently Asthma and they can hear a crackle on my lung so on antibiotics. Feeling so much better but the cough still lingers.

[silver_rabbit]

keep notes, just in case it turns into a chronic cough. I am an asthmatic and I started with a cough that I knew wasn't part of my asthma, couldn't really pin down what was causing it. It has now been 10 years and doctors still aren't sure what is causing it. Been through different test and seen different doctors and still no better off. And it is according to which specialist you talk to as to what they think is causing my cough.

[Erin001 in reply to silver_rabbit]

I write everything down in my asthma diary like when I'm taking meds and when I'm taking my reliever why I'm taking it what I think triggered it off etc.

Thx for your response

I hope you find the reason for yours at some point

[Beth1949]

Erin,

I know how you feel, I don't like to go to my doctor or ER. I try to treat myself before calling the doctor.

Having a cough is not normal. You need to find out why. Could it be due to allergies? Are your sinuses congested? Do you feel that you have congestion in your lungs? Coughing could be due to GERD (stomach acid reflex)?

If it's allergies or sinus and lung congestion, over the counter meds may help. If not, you may need to see your doctor.

Beth

[Erin001 in reply to Beth1949]

I get stomach acid reflux but I'm on meds for that

I think I will keep an eye on it and if it's not better by the end of the week then I will go to the gp