Chest infection advice

[Chukkin]

Hi all,

So this cold has finally decided to become something else. I have the classic fever, headache, general feeling of unwell, coughing up mucus (sorry), fast heartbeat.

I was admitted a couple of weeks ago with an exacerbation of asthma due to a virus. My question is this: should I go to the GP about this even though the infection is likely viral?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Oh no! 😫

It’s definitely worth visiting your GP in case they want you on prednisolone or to up your preventer etc. If nothing else you can get a rescue pack of pred so you don’t have to get an appt when you’re really struggling with your asthma.

Hope you feel better soon and that it stays away from your asthma

[hypercat54]

Hi it sounds like it is a chest infection and you need ab's and maybe steroids as well. If you have a rescue pack then start it, if not then go and see your doctor without delay. x

[Chukkin]

Thanks guys, I’m already on pred, so I imagine that they will probably want to increase it and maybe add in the ABX. I’ll make an appointment tomorrow.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Chukkin]

Yeah - they’ll either increase your pred or prolong you dose (depending on what your lungs are doing and what your current dose is). They may or may not give ABs if it is viral... usually only if they think there’s a big chance if it going bacterial, or if you have history of viruses turning bacteria as they’re trying to stop prophylactically giving ABs - I usually get given a rescue pack and told to take them if things change/worsen/mucus turns green etc and to let them know when/if I do, however my docs know I’m quite good at knowing if I’ve a viral or bacterial infection so 🤷‍♀️

Good luck tomorrow