Is this a chest infection?

[SilverDragonfly1]

I've googled symptoms but they are so vague. I don't want to bother the GP if it's just a lingering virus but I have a history of not feeling that bad when actually I have genuinely life threatening illnesses (bit achy and low temp was sepsis following the 'really bad tummy ache but no other symptoms' that was appendicitis, while 'sprained ankle and a bit breathless' was DVT that turned to bi-lateral pulmonary embolism) so I have little faith in my own diagnosis...

Cough for just over 2 weeks now which seems to get better then flares up again- I know that's a virus a lot of people have had. I'm now not coughing much as long as I don't take a deep breath but when I do it goes on and on as mucus is moving about low down in my throat and catching on each breath. Nothing is coming up far enough to spit out so no idea of colour. My chest aches but that could be from coughing... very tired and can't manage anywhere near as much activity as normal but that could be the virus... lack of appetite ditto!

If you've had this virus do reassure me that it's just part of the fun!

[booox]

A proper infection is deeper down and when I had it, felt like I had a soggy bog in my lower lung and I sounded like an old 50 a day smoker when I breathed out hard or laughed. It sort of crackles and can be felt quite low. If in doubt ask a gp.

I also felt woozy after a week of it.

Viruses can be really awful so don't under estimate how bad they can be.

[SilverDragonfly1]

Thanks Violet. It's in the middle of my chest I'd say but very much feels like in windpipe, not lungs. I'll see how I go!

[BeyondThePage]

If you are bringing up thick green or greeny yellow phlegm that is usually a major sign, as is a raised temperature, wheezing or persistent shallow breathing.

Sounds virus like, but if the cough persists for another week you should go and see a doctor. (current advice is that coughs which have lasted more than 3 weeks should be seen) If anything like here, you may want to make an appointment to see a doctor anyhow as it can take a week to get one if not totally urgent.

If you get a cough medicine for chesty coughs meantime, that will thin/moisten/loosen up any phlegm and make it easier to bring up.

[SilverDragonfly1]

It got worse and I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia today. It turns out no/white phlegm is also a symptom. Although I don't think it was that when I posted! It's just developed since, so I thought it was worth updating in case anyone else has a similar situation.