Chest infection/cough - lasted two weeks now

Chest and lungs
1

Started when I was on holidays two weeks ago. Not feeling totally unwell, no temperature etc just feeling a little tired. Really bad cough though especially at night.

Went to GP a week ago when I got home. Gave me anti-biotics and an asthma inhaler. At about this time, lost my voice also.

Since then, been taking the ABs. Cough is still very bad again especially at night. Not feeling totally unwell but not 100%. Last day or two voice has come back a little.

Use the asthma inhaler from time to time. Seems to work brilliantly. Well for 10-15 minutes it feels like Im fine but then its back to normal :-(

Expected to be better by now with the ABs. Been in work all week and getting a bit run down now.

ABs run out soon. Do I need to go back to doc?

2

BTW. Forgot to add - GP asked me this as well.

Not bring ing anything up at all when coughing. Its more irritating but my lungs feel/sound raspy.

3

Yes, without a doubt.

4

What could the problem be?

5

Hi Paul,

It doesn't sound like a chest infection, but of course your doctor will have had a listen and knows better than me.

I've banged on about this in previous threads .. but I had exactly the same thing .. and after three trips to two different doctors, I was eventually told it was a symptom of a particularly nasty winter flu virus doing the rounds this year. If it is, an antibiotic won't help at all..

Have you tried a cough supressant? There is a particularly good one on the market that promises to 'treat all types of coughs' .. it's been advertised on the telly a lot, and it did the trick for me.

I managed to get a good nights sleep for the first time in over a fortnight!

Best check with your GP surgery first, but I can't see it could do any harm to give it a try .. if only so you can get some blessed sleep at night.

Hope this helps.

Jo

6

Most likely a virus infection which can, depending upon it's severity be  treated with antibiotics when it has travelled to the chest to avoid the risk of it escalating into Bronchitis, Pleurisy or Pneumonia.

7

I was abroad on hols when it started and visited GP when I came back last Saturday. So I've been taking ABs for almost a week now as well as inhaler from time to time.

Since its been quite a few days I'm wondering if the anti-biotic has no effect.

BTW - can you give me name of cough suppressant?

8

Not sure if the site will block it as 'unsolicited advertising' .. but it's called 'B-r-o-n-c-o-s-t-o-p'.

It's only a rosemary & mallow linctus .. but it's very good. B-e-n-y-l-y-n does one for dry 'non-productive' coughs too.

Of course, if you start bringing up a lots of yukky coloured phlegm, you MUST go back to the doctors straight away.

Jo

9

No phlegm at all yet. I take it thats the unproductive thing.

Always though cough medicine was pretty much useless or is that an urban myth.

10

Well just been to boots. Got Pholcodine Linctus BP. Seemed to have the same active ingredient as the more expenisive ones.

Got to be worth a go for £3. Did notice one there called broncho stop which is a herb type one (Containing thyme). £10 for that bit much - went for the pastilles at £3!

11

You know, I haven't got a clue, Paul. I know it can't go anything for a chest INFECTION, and I know doctors won't prescribe it because they reckon it doesn't work, but then again .. imagine what it could cost the NHS if they did!

I just took this from the NHS website:

"Cough suppressants, such as pholcodine, dextromethorphan and antihistamines, act on the brain to hold back the cough reflex. They're used for dry coughs only".

So I guess, for a DRY tickly cough, it's okay.

(Those pastilles are great. Taste very yummy too!)

Jo

12

Ha Ha cheers Jo.

To be honest, the cough is tickly. We'll see.

You like the pastilles? I thought they were weird. Like eating chewy spaghetti bolognese or something.