Frequent chest infections

[Hopeful1]

I am about to see my respiratory nurse.Moderate COPD and Asthma.

Normally I produce very little mucus but have just had 4 chest infections since November. Three after seeing my darling toddler granddaughter!

This has worn me down and I am worried about frequent antibiotic consumption. So glad Spring is coming.

I cannot not see the little girl or reject cuddles. I know some folk take regular prophylactics. Other than wearing a mask or Boots dual defence any ideas please. How do others manage? Thankyou.

[sassy59]

Pete takes azithromycin three times a week and rarely has a chest infection now. Hoping your GP or nurse can help.

It’s hard to keep away from grandchildren but vigilance is key. Take care xxxx❤️

[Hopeful1 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you

[Karenanne61]

I have azithromycin three times a week, (plus my other meds) am careful, but not obsessive, with covid hygiene, rarely wear a mask anymore, they offer more protection to others than the wearer, still go to the theatre/cinema/ restaurants etc and haven't had a chest infection in ages. Sounds like I'm reckless, I'm not but I want to enjoy my time here!

[Gladys27 in reply to Karenanne61]

Hi Karenanne - think we all try to be sensible but like you say we also need to live a life thats as normal as possible, Could I ask you do you feel nauseous sometimes on azithromycin at all? I am on it - just one a day for a week to see if it helps with my cough, I notice a few people are on it 2/3 times a week, How long have you been on it and do you feel it really helps you? Thank you

[Karenanne61 in reply to Gladys27]

I've been on it for about 18 months. Funnily enough I have recently been suffering from symptoms such as nausea and extreme fatigue. I did wonder if they were drug related or something new. I don't think it's the azithromycin as I usually react to new meds pretty quickly. I haven't had an infection in ages.

[Hopeful1 in reply to Karenanne61]

Thank you

[Hopeful1 in reply to Karenanne61]

Thank you

[Lyd12]

I take an effervescent tablet once a day to loosen phlegm. I have coughing spells often, bring up lots of phlegm, sometimes green , yellow or sticky but clear. It is tiring but has kept me free of infections so far. Tablet is called Nacsys and makes half a glass of pleasant tasting fizzy drink.

[Hopeful1 in reply to Lyd12]

Thank you

[Lutontown]

I've relayed this story countless times. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 I had many chest infections, so in 2017 I kept a diary and counted 18 chest infections. In April 2018 whilst having our bath changed for a walk-in shower, black mould was found covering the bathroom floor. It was due to a leaky drain from the bath. The floor boarding was replaced, eradicating the mould. Since then, other than a 10 day stay in hospital with pneumonia and pleurisy, I've had no chest infections. Worth investigating. Black Mould can grow anywhere due to damp, so leaky roof, or kitchen or bathroom where water leaks can occur.

[Hopeful1 in reply to Lutontown]

Thank you

[helenlw7]

I was like you with frequent chest infections - I was an infant teacher and the little darlings loved sharing their germs! I’ve been taking Azithromycin three times a week for the last 7 years and have only had 1 chest infection in that time.

[Hopeful1 in reply to helenlw7]

Thank you

[PW_R]

Ware a proper high quality mask when you see them up until around mid-may. If you have copd & your family know they will understand. These viruses are literally eroding your remaining lung health.

[Hopeful1 in reply to PW_R]

Thank you

[watergazer]

I’ve been the same this winter. Hope you get a positive result. X

[Hopeful1 in reply to watergazer]

Thank you

[Morrison10]

I take one Azithromycin every day, have done since 1 December last year, after lots of nasty infections enjoying life in my lungs. I haven’t had any flare up since, although because of my age and rare condition born with, I’m very vulnerable, hardly ever go into public places, when do wear mask, and my private respiratory physio always wears mask. I take 4 Carbocysteine daily, think they help as well as twice daily Nebulising, Aerobika and exercises. Best wishes Jean

[Patk1]

I'm on azithromycin daily + I try to boost immunity with supplements; I get grandkids to use handgel whn visit or r in my car.if anyone has a sniffle, I wear a mask.like u, we need to see ea other + little one still likes to snuggle up with me+ the others have " nana hugs". I just be mindful really xxxx