SOB and cough

[Ash2226]

Hi, I’m new here and just want some advise. My wife has had SOB and cough. She has been to hospital and they have done CT scan and X-ray. CT scan showed inflammation in the lungs and the X-ray was clear. She has taken 7 day antibiotics and steroids but she is still not better. All her bloods were normal at the hospital. She still has the SOB and cough. Any advice is appropriated. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Troilus]

Hi Ash.

Firstly, I would give your GP a ring tomorrow and put him in the picture. It may be that your wife needs another course of steroids or, if she hasn’t got one already maybe a steroid inhaler.

Whenever I have taken a course of oral steroids I have tended to see an improvement in a few days which tends to continue when I have finished the course, but by the sounds of it your wife is still struggling, so I think it best you get professional advice.

Sorry I can’t be of anymore help.

[Abc64]

I was diagnosed with asthma in my 50’s. The specialist nurse said that some women start with asthma when they are menopausal. I went from mild to severe asthma over a couple of years. Hope this helps. Not sure how old your wife is.

[Poobah]

Definitely talk to the GP or 111 today as it sounds like additional/longer treatment is required. Your wife should have been told to consult her GP if she felt no or little improvement, but communication isn't great sometimes and so patients can often assume that a weeks treatment is the norm for recovery. If only doctors would say, "come back and see me if you feel no improvement by day x".

If you can't get to see or talk to the GP today (make clear it's a case of antibiotics and oral steroids finished with no improvement and SOB), phone 111 who can override the receptionist by noting the system that an urgent GP appointment is necessary. Or they may suggest a return to A&E.

Hope your wife feels better soon.

[Ash2226]

Thanks guys, I’m going to get in touch with the GP again this morning and see what he advises. Much appreciate your response.

Thanks