Chest infection.

[harley2521]

Hi , can anyone tell me how long it takes to clear up a chest infection, the pain in my back is hard work, Im om my third lot of antibiotics???

[Dion3844o1]

my is still on going iv had it well over a year I don't feel as though its ever gone steroids and antibiotics don't workx

[harley2521 in reply to Dion3844o1]

You have my greatest sympathy.

[mrsmummy]

The trick is to get the right antibiotics. Ask that your surgery send a sample of your sputum for testing so that your particular bug can be targeted and then be patient and rest as much as you can.

[harley2521 in reply to mrsmummy]

Unfortunately, I'm allergic to Penicillin so the choice is limited, thank you for your response.

[guytane]

i have one now its been 0ver a week its getting a bit better now flem going lighter coler no antibiotics

[Dedalus]

I had chest infection, for which I was prescribed 3 different antibiotics. Was hospitalised for 3 days and inflammation was diagnosed - took steroids for that. Community Respiratory Team nurse came yesterday & said that recovery can take from 4 to 8 weeks!! Good luck with it, but if pain persists definitely see your GP again x

[helenlw7]

I had a chest infection from February until September this year. I had high dose steroids and four different antibiotics including doxycycline which I’ve taken every day for three or four years. It only cleared up when I spoke to my consultant in desperation and he changed my prophylactic was changed to Azithromycin! Since then I’ve had one very short period of green sputum that cleared up in a while without me taking my emergency meds.

[harley2521 in reply to helenlw7]

Don't know how you coped, I would have pulled my hair out, 3 weeks and I'm climbing the walls, I'm a very active person and find it difficult not to be doing something.

[helenlw7 in reply to harley2521]

It was really hard, I just got used to not feeling well! Going to Sainsburys was a real mountain to climb. The really good thing about changing to Azithromycin is that the cough that started in the Summer of 2012 stopped completely after about three weeks of starting Azithromycin!

[sylvnan]

I have just got over nasty chest infection. It took 7 weeks and two courses of antibiotics. Coughing wears you out I know. Keep smiling.

[watergazer]

Hi. I think how long they last is according to your health situation and the antibiotics you take. Some antibiotics don’t work as well as others. Maybe a sputum test is needed or ask your GP for a stronger anti biotic. I can have at least 3 courses of antibiotics and 2 courses of steroids. Hope you’re feeling better soon

[harley2521 in reply to watergazer]

Than you for your help, much appreciated.

[Hidden]

Hi Harley

It is a lot of antibiotics I understand you must be at your wits end..

I would ask for an xray or a scan if you can get one.. time for further investigation, blood test, sputum test, the lot!! Matching the right antibiotics with the bacteria is often the key.

Best of luck Harley x

[harley2521 in reply to Hidden]

Thank for your help, much appreciated.

[lovejoyliz]

First port of call is the correct diagnosis in order to find out whether or not you have a viral infection or a bacterial infection, this can only be done thru a sputum test and blood tests. The results that come back are important for the type of medication and or antibiotics that may be needed for your condition.

I hope that you can get well soon and that you do get the right meds.

[harley2521 in reply to lovejoyliz]

Thank you for your help, much appreciated.