Help with chest infection

[Gibbstheory]

So I have what seems to be my first ever chest infection. I went to the doctors on Monday as although I had a cold then (just got over it), my chest was extremely tight, struggling to breathe and although then I didn't have a cough, I brought up blood streaked phlegm. Doctor diagnosed that it was a chest infection and prescribed antibiotics.

But now I seem to be worse, or at least feel a lot worse. Coughing a lot, bringing up phlegm, tight chest, can't catch my breath, very wheezy, quite a long list.

Since I've never had one, I don't know whether this is the standard thing that happens with a chest infection or not.

But I was hoping for some advice on what I can try to be a bit more comfortable, I've been drinking plenty of hot drinks, steaming, and trying not to resist coughing, even if once I start I can't stop

So was wondering what has helped you when you've had a chest infection?

[BeanBag7]

That sounds like what my chest infection was like. Obviously the antibiotics aren't working so maybe you need to go back to the GP and ask for a different one. Did they do a sputum sample to work out which bacteria are actually causing the infection, or did they just give you amoxicillin and hope for the best?

[Gibbstheory]

@BeanBag7 no they didn't do a sputum to test, and funnily enough did just send my away with amoxicillian. Didn't know whether or not this is a normal thing so didn't want to waste the doctors time if it was. But might have to see if I can get an appointment in the morning.

[BeanBag7]

I would definitely call for an emergency appointment if you are struggling to catch your breath and wheezing. I feel for you, it's really a horrible sensation.

Amoxicillin seems to be the "standard" antibiotic they give for any infection, but it doesnt work on all bacteria.

[Herocomplex]

You really need to rest as much as possible as well. I’ve tried to just battle on a few times and ended up quite ill.

[GymKitJen]

second a different antibiotic but a blue inhaler might also break the coughing/damage to lungs/coughing cycle

[BillyAndTheSillies]

I'm exactly the same OP, started getting poorly early last week. Saw the doctor on Thursday who prescribed amoxicillin and I've spent all day in bed today coughing all kinds up and have had to use my inhaler.

It's just not budging and if anything, I feel worse now than last week. About to turn 36 weeks pregnant so not sure if there are any other options for me antibiotics wise but definitely worth going back to the doctors.

Hope you manage to get in to the GP and feel better soon.

[Gibbstheory]

@BillyAndTheSillies I definitely understand what you're going through, it's awful isn't it? Spent all of last night coughing up nasty things and incredibly out of breath. Thought the antibiotics would be starting to make me feel better but feel a lot worse. Hoping you feel a lot better soon.

Managed to get a doctors appointment for today at 3, so hoping they'll be able to prescribe something else.