chest infection

[kalgoorlie]

I am currently tapering from 30mg to 25mg prednisolone for GCA. (been taking pred since February). I have had a productive cough and what I believe is a chest infection for 2 weeks. It is definitely better this week than last week and the guaifenesin I have taken has helped. I do not feel unwell but I cough and feel breathless when I breathe in deeply, talk or sing! I have not contacted my GP and don't really want to take antibiotics.

My question is though, can my body actually fight this on its own? I don't want it to linger for weeks and weeks so maybe knocking it on the head with antibiotics will do the trick. Although depends on whether my GP wants to prescribe them. I know it will destroy my gut microbiome which I try to look after, although maybe the pred is doing that anyway!

I do believe it is an infection as my grandson had a bad cough when he came to visit just over a couple of weeks ago, despite his GP assuring his parents that his cough wasn't contagious. His cough was lingering for weeks and after his visit to me he was given antibiotics which cleared it up.

Thanks

[SheffieldJane]

I am still suffering the ill effects of a January virus. I am wondering if it’s long Covid. I agree that a doctor needs to have some more input here. In the good old days it would have been an XRay.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

Sick rules don't apply for doses over 20mg SJ - that is the maximum you increase to, even if you were on 15mg or more.

[SheffieldJane in reply to PMRpro]

Gosh I missed that somehow, sorry kalgoorie, I am not safe to be let out these days. Thanks for your ever watchful eye PMRPro.

[kalgoorlie in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes did check sick rules so have stayed on existing dose

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I think that given you are on moderately high dose of Pred your immunosuppression is a worry. I wouldn’t be trying to tough this one out and at the very least someone needs to listen to your chest.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with SnazzyD - I think at that dose you may well be better getting someone to have a listen in at the very least. Coughs can take a long time to clear anyway and I'll lay odds the GP will claim "viral" - but in your case, it is secondary bacterial infection they should be worried about in someone who is to some extent immunosuppressed.

[kalgoorlie]

OK, thank you. Will phone GP tomorrow.

[Pink_and_Black]

Hi Kalgoorlie,

Sorry to hear you’ve got a nasty cough. I would say if you don’t feel unwell and you haven’t got a temperature, there is no need for antibiotics, much better for it to resolve without, especially as you say it’s beginning to get better.

However, if it does get worse or persists for much longer, or you get a temperature, then you should definitely see your GP and get it checked out. Might be worth getting checked now anyway just to be on the safe side.

Hope you get better soon. x