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Original poster

Should I go back to A&E??

126 replies

Rolypops · 13/09/2023 16:45

I have had a horrendous cough for two weeks now, I was so bedridden by it I didn't test for Covid but I cannot shake it, and two days ago I started to cough up blood. I went to A&E and after a ghastly seven hour wait was told that I have probably got a chest infection or bronchitis, was given steroids and antibiotics and sent home and told to go back in three days if not better, which would be tomorrow. However after a seeming improvement yesterday I am worse than ever today, a horrible loud wheeze when I breathe out and green and bloody stuff coming up with each coughing fit. I am short of breath but no temp.

Just don't know what to do, coughing so hard I can't hold my bladder and blood coming up cannot be normal. Should I go back to A&E or will they tell me to wait another day for the abs to work? They only tested basic stuff when I was in there the first time. I was only given enough steroids for a few days.

I

OP posts:
Tulipvase · 13/09/2023 16:46

I’d try my GP first. Sounds horrid, hope you feel better soon.

Burnamer · 13/09/2023 16:47

If it’s not an emergency (can’t breathe etc) then I’d stick to the timelines they gave or if you can’t then go to OOH / GP

Original poster
Rolypops · 13/09/2023 16:48

I can breathe but it is quite painful and a bit distressing to be coughing up blood

OP posts:

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Whawillthefuturebring · 13/09/2023 16:49

If the being short of breath is new then I would ring 111. It takes 48 hours for antibiotics to start working.

Auntieobem · 13/09/2023 16:49

Agree that oohs/GP would be a better call

Original poster
Rolypops · 13/09/2023 16:50

Whawillthefuturebring · 13/09/2023 16:49

If the being short of breath is new then I would ring 111. It takes 48 hours for antibiotics to start working.

It has been over 48 hours since I took my first one and it does seem like I am coughing less overall but no real change to how painful it is/stuff coming up. I'm just anxious its more serious I suppose, never had anything remotely like this before.

OP posts:
asosStalker · 13/09/2023 16:51

When you say ‘coughing up blood’ are we talking streaks of blood in your phlegm (probably caused by small tears due to the coughing) or significant quantities of fresh red blood on its own (more worrying)?

Original poster
Rolypops · 13/09/2023 16:53

The blood is mixed in (sorry I know its gross) but there is a fair amount of it and it is dark red in color. That was why I went to A&E the first time as it really worried me. I've never been one to suffer from asthma or anything like this before.

OP posts:
Ratfinkstinkypink · 13/09/2023 16:58

If the wheeze is new and you are short of breath you absolutely need to be seen today either by a GP or at A&E.

MiniBossFromAus · 13/09/2023 16:59

If coughing blood is not an emergency, I don't know what is.

I'd be back to A&E.

misssunshine4040 · 13/09/2023 17:00

Rolypops · 13/09/2023 16:48

I can breathe but it is quite painful and a bit distressing to be coughing up blood

This is awful and they have told you to go back. Things have got worse so you can go back. I hope you get to the bottom of it

Original poster
Rolypops · 13/09/2023 17:02

The wheeze isn't new it was there last time but even the Dr was a bit Hmm about how bad it was. It seems like steroids help it during the day but then by the late afternoon/evening I am doubled over with it again. Could it be pneumonia?

OP posts:
ittakes2 · 13/09/2023 17:05

I think you should go in - you might need antibiotics via a drip

MiniBossFromAus · 13/09/2023 17:10

My DH had a spontaneous pneumothorax - he ended up needing surgery to mend his lung which had collapsed and stuck together. It was shit, painful and involved a stint in ICU.

I coughed blood after car accident. Also collapsed lung which needed a drain.

This may not be the case for you but if you haven't had a chest xray - I reckon you need one.

ISpyNoPlumPie · 13/09/2023 17:21

A chest infection and pneumonia are the same thing. Coughing up blood with a chest infection is not uncommon. If the blood is mixed in with sputum, it is likely caused by inflamed airways. I tend to think A&E for a chest infection is only necessary where there is difficulty breathing and/or sepsis, or if the person is very old/young. Personally, I would wait another day if my symptoms were the same, and call the GP tomorrow morning. If deteriorating, go to A&E. Always hard to advise over the internet though. Do you have a friend/family member with you?

Original poster
Rolypops · 13/09/2023 17:31

Only DH he would have to stay and be with the kids. As I say my main worries are that I am really tight in the chest and the blood and that the wheezing seems worse, but only when exhaling. Really don't want to go in but feeling so rotten and worried now.

OP posts:
GoryBory · 13/09/2023 17:40

If you’re worried then go.

If you think you can wait then I’d ring the GP in the morning.

What I would try is ringing 111 first and seeing what they say.
They’ll probably say go to A&E but sometimes they let you go to an OOH GP which would save you waiting in A&E for hours.

Cough up the blood on a tissue and put it in a sandwich bag so the doctor can see it.

You can get blood if you’ve been coughing a lot and if it’s covid or other virus then the antibiotics won’t help anyway but keep taking them.

BasilParsley · 13/09/2023 17:45

Seriously I would call 111 right now for advice

AfraidToRun · 13/09/2023 18:01

call 111.

legalseagull · 13/09/2023 18:03

I'd go to A&E. I swear some people on MN think it's not an emergency unless a limb has fallen off. Did they not do chest X-rays when you went before? That's appalling.

greentorto · 13/09/2023 18:08

legalseagull · 13/09/2023 18:03

I'd go to A&E. I swear some people on MN think it's not an emergency unless a limb has fallen off. Did they not do chest X-rays when you went before? That's appalling.

This^^

When I last phoned 111 with coughing up bloody phlegm, wheezing & steroids & asthma inhalers weren't working they sent an ambulance. I've also always been told if I cough up any sign of blood when taking steroids to call 999

Cowlover89 · 13/09/2023 18:16

Call 111

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 13/09/2023 18:17

If steroids have not improved the wheeze yes I’d go back to A+E.

hope you’re ok

Haggisfish3 · 13/09/2023 18:20

I’d go back. You have got worse.

FloatyBoaty · 13/09/2023 18:20

OP don’t listen to the “unless you’re in cardiac arrest, A&E is not for you” crowd.

You’re clearly very worried. Just go back. It is EXACTLY what they’re there for.