Chest infection/cough and antibiotics.

[GreyZebra]

Had antibios 3 weeks ago for a possible chest infection with cough. 2 weeks since I finished them and my cough is just getting worse. Are you normally supposed to go back to GP in this timeframe, or do the antibiotics take a long time to stop the cough/chills/feeling crummy?

[O2Trees]

In general antibiotics are supposed to make you begin to feel better within 48 hours. Sometimes with our conditions though we need antibiotics for two weeks, not one and it will take longer than for 'normal' folk to start to improve. Yes, get back to your GP straightaway, especially as your cough is getting worse.

[peege]

I definitely agree with O2Trees, go back to uour gp straight away. Normally healthy folks might get away with 5 or 7 days. We with lung issues would rarely be better on a weeks dose. Then there are different antibiotics, I would never except amoxicillin for instance, it has never ever worked for me. I would be given doxycycline or clarithromycin for 2 weeks to start with. Then of course there are different bugs involved. Seasoned lungies would hand in a sample of their sputum to be analysed for correct antibiotics. Good luck and hope you get well soon. P

[madonbrew]

I agree with the others...I’d go back to your GP! Hope you start to feel better soon!

[Bkin]

You need to go back to your GP. If you have a sterile pot from the surgery to submit a sputum sample, that would help your GP prescribe the appropriate anti biotic.

[Alberta56]

I agree with the others.

[katieoxo60]

Sometimes coughs can last for months after infections , steroid tablets usually clear up persistant coughs after infection. unless its a symptom of your lung condition. Hope you feel better in time for Christmas

[Jct1]

Lots of good advice here speak to gp asap. Hope all goes well. Jct1x