Chest infections

Hi everyone. I've had chest infections one after the other.

Keep coughing and chest hurts.

Seem to be using my pumps more as well. Does it mean I'm getting worse?

[Hidden]

I cannot say whether you are getting worse I am not a medic but I would advise you to ring the helpline in the morning and ask the nurses their advise. But I would say that my husband sometimes has periods of infection after infection. It maybe time to ask your gp to do a sputum sample to make sure you are getting the right antibiotics for your infection.

I give my husband 1000 mg of vitamin c a day and a teaspoon of manuka honey when he has infections. Always found it helps. Good luck with the helpline tomorrow TAD xx

[pergola1]

Hullo, Mandy - it doesn't necessarily mean that you are getting worse. I was being driven mad by one chest infection after another over a long period of time. I did all I could to make things better. I did exercises classes, numerous trips to the respiratory clinic, had my rescue packs etc. etc. ----then things for me got better. What happened? For thing, I was prescribed azithromycin three times a week. Also I had a move to the south coast where the air is so good. So now, i am wondering if I could reduce my puffers. I know a move probably wouldn't work for you but I am telling you that things just might get better for you -- dont give up hope xxx

[Hidden in reply to pergola1]

No move couldn't happen here, wished thou. I do exercise and work all day to keep me going. Could stress cause this?

[peege in reply to pergola1]

Hi Pergola, I'm really glad your move has turned out well for you. I'm moving out of London soon so perhaps it will be good to leave a bit of pollution behind.

Hope that Brian is doing okay. I shall think of you when I'm camping on the farm at Abington Pigotts on 12th! Peeg xxx

[pergola1 in reply to peege]

Hi, peeg, Abington Piggotts eh!! Lovely countryside but watch the rape fields if they are still in flower. And the Pig and Abbot - how I miss that pub, but cant do bar snacks at the moment.

[pergola1 in reply to pergola1]

Forgot to say Brian sadly is terminally ill but we are having fantastic support and appreciating the better days that are left. xxx

[loobyloo222]

Hi Mandy

I was diagnosed with brocho-pulmonary aspergillosis 25 years ago, it was diagnosed when I had had infection after infection with chest pain. Diagnosis was by blood test and ct scan. Have you had x-rays or sputum tests? Could you get a referral to a chest clinic? I would talk to your GP.

[Hidden in reply to loobyloo222]

No never been sent to a chest clinic. Had X-rays etc x

[heho]

know exactly where you are coming through. It is awful. feel for you; Have been the same. Keep your chin up though - easy to say but what else can one do. I feel for you and wish you well - Been the same All the very best for you in the future as it is horrid.

[jamorro]

I was the same. An infection every 3/4 weeks. Then put on azithromycin 3x a week and I haven't had one for several yrs now

[peege]

Hi, it could be that your medication is now wrong for you.

I recall feeling similar years ago & couldn't work it out. I saw a GP to ask if it could be possible for my Symbicort inhaler (preventive) to have stopped working. He said no!

I cannot believe that now. It was becoming less effective and when I saw the respiratory nurse she said of course they can become ineffective if it's the wrong one for you. She changed it to Seretide 125.

The 125 was fine for a while but was later increased to 250 during the winter.

BTW after 3 years I did the Pulmonary Rehab (PR) course & I discovered I'd been taking my inhaler wrongly for 3 years, no wonder it wasn't working properly.

Using a spacer gives you 50% more of the medication than you get without using one.

Different inhalers have different methods.

So my advice - as well as ringing BLF 03000030555 - would be to check that you're taking your inhalers properly with your respiratory nurse who usually knows more about copd than the GP .

Good luck to you, keep coming on here to learn as much as poss, knowledge is power

Edit: call BLF they will guide you on what to expect from your GP & medics - as is your right. You deserve proper treatment and support

[Cyberpunk]

Hi there the same thing is happening with me had a chest infection for six weeks now been on steroids and antibiotics six weeks and useing nebuliser 4 times per day but cannot get rid of it go back to docs later today still feel terrible so don't know wot will happen next doc said because of copd hard to get rid of chest infections am fed up with it because cannot do anything getting a bath is a challenge hope you feel better soon and just keep going back to the doctor I go back every 5 days but no joy as yet take care

[Hidden]

If you keep getting chest infections, could be you have an underlying infection that need antibiotics. Also if your inhalers aren't as effective then it means they aren't working for you and you need to be getting yourself checked out. I'd say go see your GP and let him check you out and don't delay.

[Hidden]

Thank you for all your replys. I'm seeing dr on the 9th so will talk to them and hopefully give me something to help me.x