Lower respiratory tract infection

[ZB45]

I was poorly all over Christmas with shortness of breath and coughing. I had had COVID 2 weeks before that but was testing negative. On Christmas Day, a consultant checked me out and sent me home with the instruction to take antihistamines. I still felt terrible so last Saturday I went to the emergency clinic and they started me on Doxycycline. I then saw my GP on Tuesday and he doubled the Doxycycline and gave me amoxicillin for 5 days. The amoxicillin is now done and I am still feeling bad. I had a good day yesterday but today I can feel the tightness again. My question is - is this a normal recovery or should I be worried that I am not further on after 7 days of antibiotics? As other people have said, I have never been this unwell in my life and it is a bit scary. Thanks in advance for any help.

[sassy59]

If you’re feeling really poorly and short of breath then contact 111 as you need to be examined again. Antibiotics need at least 10 days and sometimes more. Please don’t leave things and hope you recover soon. Xxxx

[ZB45 in reply to sassy59]

Thanks. I will contact my GP again in the morning. Like I say, it's only been 7 days so maybe the antibiotics just need more time. Do people generally find that Doxycycline is the most effective? Or should I ask for more amoxicillin?

[Hidden in reply to ZB45]

Doxy is effective against a much wider and different spectrum of bacteria than amoxyl which is basically as much use as a packet of smarties. Having been so ill you should have had at least 14 days of a high dose of the right antibiotic. I think that you should see your GP to get this sorted.

[sassy59 in reply to ZB45]

My hubby Pete does well on Doxy generally so do speak with your GP. Good luck to you. Xxx

[helenlw7]

I usually have amoxicillin for two weeks, along side 40mg prednisolone for 5 days.

[ZB45]

My doctor didn't want to give me steroids - he said they can slow down the immune response and it will take longer to recover.

[Patk1]

Do u have asthma/ lung disease? If so,use Yr salbutaMol more often

[Lucylungs]

That is not a recovery, get back in touch with GP ASAP. Xxxx

[2013mayo]

I too had a very bad chest infection , it started as a cold and went on for ages, my chest got worse so I started taking doxycycline for 2 weeks, I still had it afterwards , I never thought it would clear up, I tested myself several times for covid but all came back neg, I’m still convinced I had covid, I was very poorly and under a great deal of stress but it eventually cleared up. You will get better but it takes ages to clear up.

[ZB45]

Thank you, I really hope I feel better soon.

[Injecter1]

I would ask your GP if they could send a sputum specimen to the lab, that way you will know for sure the infection is clear. I hope you start to feel better soon x

[Izb1]

My daughter and her family have all been very poorly, at first they thought it was a cold they tested negative for covid. The gp said it was viral and just take paracetamol. Two weeks on they are still suffering and my daughter thinks it is covid, I think it just needs to run its course but sounds like a bad bug and of course us lungies need to make sure it doesn't develop. Keep warm and rest up and go back to your gp if things dont improve x

[Alberta56]

Best wishes. I'm with the 'Go to your GP brigade', especially regarding a sputum test. It takes 14 days of antibiotics to knock out bugs in the lungs.

[ZB45]

Thanks, I am waiting for an appointment now. I have also developed a white tongue over the last 24 hours. 111 doctor said it didn't look like oral thrush but the pharmacist took one look and gave me some daktarin gel. Has anyone else had this?

[Germantara in reply to ZB45]

Yes I'm suffering alot on and with it I bought that but keeps coming bac0k and dry mouth

[Neville33]

have you submitted a sputum sample to grow a culture and check for bacteria..I have RSV for a few weeks and being viral, it drags on..I would go back to your GP and get blood and urinalysis done..maybe an X-ray as well

[watergazer]

Hi ZB45 hopefully the doxycycline has kicked in for you now. As others have said if you’re very breathless seek medical advice. Xx

[pam7974]

Hi ZB45, I was exactly the same as you last Christmas a 3 lots of antibiotics including docycycline. The only thing that cleared it up was when I was put on a course of. Prednisole steroids. They made a real difference. Regards 7974pam