Weird chest infections- anyone else? How long do they last?

[Lysistrata]

Anyone else get odd chest infections that don't have any of the typical symptoms other than setting off asthma?

Had a bit of a farce in A and E on Saturday after 4 days of asthma getting worse. They said it wasn't asthma (because I don't present typically) but freaked out over the high HR I get with asthma, treated me with magnesium sulphate and that helped as it usually does help my asthma. (It's never been shown to be effective purely for lowering HR).

They casually also mentioned I had a chest infection on X ray. Was very surprised as I have none of the usual symptoms except the asthma, and all sorts can set that off. Breathing is now back to its vaguely crap but not awful normal but I feel rubbish- sweaty, very tired, not able to go to work etc, but not typical chest infection eg not bringing anything up, no cough, no chest noises etc.

Had this before a few years ago though milder, and for all I know has happened since then - wouldn't necessarily know given I would need an X ray to show it, though if I land in hospital they usually do one.

Anyway sorry for the ramble but just wondering if anyone else gets things like this and how long they last?

Guessing it's been about a week now and been on abx (amoxicillin) since Sunday - of course there's always the possibility it's viral! Also on pred 30mg since Friday, for all the good that does - I'm a freak who seems to be at least partially steroid resistant!

It would be nice if my body could read a textbook or something. It could be worse I know but I am fed up lol.

[Lizzie1956]

I've had 3 very strange chests this year and 3 hospital admissions. Far over and above anything at anytime. It seems to be Theophylline that helps me both by drip and orally. FluB in March didn't help at all!!! But it's also debilitating and tiresome - I feel for you. x

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Lizzie1956]

Thanks! Saw you are hoping for Xolair - hope that works for you. I have the wrong type of asthma (non-allergic) but it has done wonders for some people.

Never had theophylline/aminophylline IV but do take Phyllocontin tablets which I really like.

[Lizzie1956 in reply to Lysistrata]

Well, it's fingers crossed! Good luck to you too,

[Lynneypin]

My asthma has been so much worse the past few weeks. Nasty cough. No idea why.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Lynneypin]

Pollen has been high if that affects you? Or maybe like me you get random infections? Hope that settles.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

OK so now I have a cold and vague infection symptoms where I had none ie infection sort of cough, potential gunk, that sandpaper feeling. This makes very little sense - I thought it was meant to start this way ie cold to infection, not the other way round! I think there is something going round, hoping I haven't just caught 2 things. Maybe it's on its way out...

Bet the little so and so is viral and these abx are doing nothing.

Sorry for moan!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Thanks! This one is confusing me given everything seems to be happening at different times and out of order. 3 more days of abx so will see how it goes. Although infections do set off my asthma majorly I am lucky that I don't have too many, and those I do are more often colds where I know it's about treating the asthma as best I can just like with other triggers. Infections I find confusing, though of course this could still be viral.