Long lasting chest infection

[Tinkerbelle1234]

I've had a cough and chest infection for 4 weeks, had 3 courses of different antibiotics and the cough is draining me of energy and the phlem is still the same shade of green. Dr has now given me an asthma pump because of a wheeze which I'm not keen on using. What kind of bug can it be and when will I be back to good health.

[Shancock]

I would try the pump I take it it's Salbutomal, they do help. I think you need a chest X-ray and ask your dr if you can give a sputum sample so they can test it then marry it up with correct antibiotic to deal with it.

Drink tons of water as steer clear of dairy and caffeine as it make sure you produce more mucus/phlegm.

[Tinkerbelle1234 in reply to Shancock]

Yep its salbutmol and he refused to test the sputum said it must be a virus

[Izb1]

Hi Tinkerbelle, having a cough that lasts is awful. Shancock is right, you need a sputum sample so the hospital can identify what bug this is, you can then get on the right antibiotics, get a sample bottle from your doctors and get this done pronto x

[Tinkerbelle1234 in reply to Izb1]

Thank you. I have had an xray the dr asked if i was asthmatic as my lungs weren't 100% inflated on the xray? I'm not asthmatic. I have now been given steroids and told to keep using the inhaler. He wont test the phlem said its most likely a viral infection now (after taking 3 courses of antibiotics), just hope the steroids clear it but Im not sure how!!

[Izb1 in reply to Tinkerbelle1234]

Hi Tinkerbelle, get a sample pot from reception and hand it in, he cant really refuse, I would also insist that he refers you to a specialist, as Littlepom says, we have to be proactive and look after ourselves and that means being adamant on our care, awful to think we have to fight every inch of the way because alot of doctors do not understand these lung diseases. Good luck to you and I hope you get sorted soon x

[Tinkerbelle1234 in reply to Izb1]

Hi Izb1, thanks for your reply. I will go back to Gp Friday as the prednisolone is only for 5 days. Had awful night as it did seem to make me cough more, but perhaps that was his plan. Will see if I can get a sputum pot from reception although

Gp seems to keep specimen pots in his desk. Will definitely push for it. Thanks once again.