Reoccurring Chest Infections Since Sinus Infection in Oct Too many antibiotics?? Prednisolone - makes cough Unproductive

[Wrighty2018]

Hi

Wanting advice on the above as this is the 3rd round of clarithromycin and steroids . Today my chest feels so sore and hard to breath out but can breath ok when not walking around .

Guess what I am asking is can I take more antibiotics..

The weather is so cold and even breathing it in makes me tighter

[strongmouse]

Only the doctor can decide whether you need more antibiotics. Sometimes a different one can be effective.

The cold at the moment isn't helping my breathing and I am staying indoors with the heating on!

[Hidden]

Hi there, I am 67 and was diagnosed with asthma when I was two. I've been there, taken that and caught infections galore over the decades. If you met me you probably wouldn't notice I have asthma!

I have been in a and e quite a few times throughout my life +++

A few years ago I was doing the spirometry test at the asthma clinic and did very well which surprised me.

I asked the male asthma nurse, who was asthmatic himself, what one thing he does that helps him and he said "Vitamin C and Zinc" lozenges that dissolve in water. I popped into Boot's later that day and bought a few tubes.

Ever since that day I have not had a heavy cold or chest infection. It was worth the try and I am so glad I took his recommendation. The drink is also refreshing and superb at clearing any gunk in the throat.

ALSO! I drink a few mugs of Spiced Ginger infusion (tea bags from Tesco) just hot water and enjoy. Honestly it seems to work. It must help as I am introducing Spiced Ginger into my stomach and that has to be good?! I also drink Lemon & Ginger too + Peppermint at times.

Why not give it a try for a month or so?

David

[Wrighty2018 in reply to Hidden]

Ahh David I am liking this idea very much and will purchase as soon as I recover from the flu ! Cheers

[Wrighty2018 in reply to Hidden]

I have taken your advice..so far so good..thought I'd let you know..I also take VIT D

[Matman]

Understand that the vast majority of upper respiratory infections are viruses rather than bacteria and (as you probably know already) Antibiotics have very little to zero effect on viruses.

Quite often Antibiotics are dished out with Pred because steroids (i.e. Pred) weaken you’re immune system while you’re taking them (so the Antibiotics are given more as a defensive, precautionary measure).

As an alternative to trying a different Antibiotic, you could push you’re GP for an advanced sputum test (and / or other Tests) to try to determine more precisely what the virus or bacteria is that’s causing the problem.

If you’ve not got a temperature, you’re cough is none productive and any nasal mucus you’re producing is clear rather than coloured, it may now only be the asthma itself that needs treating differently (e.g. different inhaler, possibly montelukast tabs etc).

I’m not medically qualified so (maybe) ask your GP about these points if you feel any are relevant.

[Wrighty2018 in reply to Matman]

Thank you very interesting and helpful.. I will defo ask for the test although since putting this post up I've tested positive for FLU ..FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS...now I need to consider having the jab going forward; I went to A&E last night for a nebuliser as I was having difficulty- now on steriods and tamiflu antiviral....feeling a. Little better on and off. Very scary

[Matman]

Hope you feel better soon. Take care.