Chest infection and Pred

[diana1998]

I had covid with a bad dry cough and heavy cold at the end of November and made a good recovery. Didn't effect my pmr. On 3mg. On 28th December, probably due to doing far too much over Christmas, I started a chest infection from hell. Heavy chesty phlemy cough but bringing up clear sputum so don't think I need an antibiotic. No fever but staying in and exhausted. Paracetamol and drinking honey, lemon, cider vinegar and ginger. Question.... Would raising steroids help my bad chest? Or do I ride it out?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sorry to hear that…but think you may well need an antibiotic to help clear chest infection.

But you really need to discuss with doctor as you do regarding sick day rules which may apply (lined) - and would also say your adrenals are struggling trying to cope hence the fatigue ..

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

AG link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[diana1998 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. Impossible to talk to Dr and just tired from coughing and the infection. Must soldier on and let hubby carry the load.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to diana1998]

but 111 is available and GP can prescribe

[diana1998 in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes, will try that. But I read to only ring 999 or 111 in an emergency as so overstretched. But here goes. Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Doctors often do give a short course of high dose pred along with antibiotics for severe chest infections.

Actually, the colour of the gunk doesn't show the difference between viral and bacterial infections so a check with a doctor may be called for. If the congestion is bad with a viral infection they may give abx anyway to prevent a secondary bacterial infection (abx don't work for viral infections).

If you feel really unwell - and above all if you do develop a raised temperature - call 111 and hope for a call back. My daughter is on duty in the ER today and tomorrow - she isn't expecting a pleasant day!

[diana1998 in reply to PMRpro]

Oh poor girl. I admire them so much.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to diana1998]

You mentioned to DL about the "only in an emergency" - that's why I said HOPE but she says the worst part for her is the really poorly people arriving because they didn't (or weren't able to) get help sooner. Better try 111 than end up with a trip to the ED.

[diana1998 in reply to PMRpro]

Trying them now🤞

[diana1998 in reply to PMRpro]

Rang 111. Waited 5 hours for Dr to call me back. He's sent antibiotic perscription to Boots locally for tomorrow. Wheezing has stopped at least. Happy 2023 Everyone.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to diana1998]

Good….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to diana1998]

5 hours wasn't bad given the day!

[diana1998 in reply to PMRpro]

Grateful

[Meggsy]

About 2 years ago OH had been coughing relentlessly for one to two weeks. GP prescribed 50 mg pred for a few days. When he told me my eyes nearly popped out of my head and I screamed 50MG!! 😱 However, it worked!

[diana1998 in reply to Meggsy]

Wow!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Meggsy]

40mg is very common for chest problems but usually for 5 days or so.

[Meggsy in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I can’t remember exactly but I think it was about 5 days.

[Odosmum]

I had something similar in the summer - coughing clear phlegm for about 4 weeks, thinking that it wasn't an infection but something viral. Phoned my GP to ask what to do and he sent me antibiotics. Cleared things up within 10 or so. It was only the fact that it had been going on so long that prompted me to take it further.

[diana1998 in reply to Odosmum]

I usually start to feel better after 48 hrs with an antibiotic not that it happens often. This cough feels like a killer and so tiring. Paracetamol calms it down a bit. I said to my Oh put me in the wheelbarrow and take me to our booked spot in the churchyard at the end of our lane!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to diana1998]

Bit drastic!!!!

[diana1998 in reply to PMRpro]

I felt that bad!! Antibiotic is kicking in. Hasn't effected pmr luckily.