I think I have bronchitis - do I need to call Doctor?

[Merryoldgoat]

I have a terrible cough, not slept properly for days. My head feels like it will literally explode when I cough. Coughing up clearish phlegm. Absolutely exhausted. My body feels like I need to sleep for a year.

I’ve had a PCR as I thought Covid had finally caught up with me but it was negative.

It seems likely it’s bronchitis but I can’t seem to work out if I need to doctor or not - is this just a thing you ride out? I’ve not had bronchitis since a child and I was very ill then - I’m not as bad as that now.

I am not a medic, but I'd give it a few days and/or see a pharmacist first. Take lots of lovely paracetamol + drink lots of fluids and make everyone run around after you.

Ring 111 for advice, they will tell you if you need to be seen.

I would think you definitely need to see a doctor to rule out pneumonia. And you'll most likely need an antibiotic.
I've had pneumonia and it really knocked me for six and it took me a long time to fully recover so it's not something to mess about with

Hope you feel better soon

Sorry, I’ve been like this since Sunday and not better, worse if anything.

That wasn’t clear. I’m taking paracetamol regularly and it’s made no difference

Whether it's bronchitis or a bad chest infection you probably need antibiotics so you at least need to speak to a doctor.
I had the same symptoms a couple of years back, struggled on thinking it'd get better eventually, it didn't so I rang the doctor and he prescribed industrial strength antibiotics. I didn't even see him (pre covid) but after the questioning he said I needed them pronto.

I can't tell you how much better I felt within a couple of days. The cough took longer to go but sounded worse than it was.

Ok thank you. I’ve called the doctor and I’m on the triage list so he’ll call back soon.

Dr thinks infection and sending prescription.

Hope you feel better soon .

You need someone to listen to your breathing

I’ve had chest infections and I’ve had bronchitis and although there is a rattle and an internal and pointless cough antibiotics don’t work on bronchitis, you just have to ride it out, it’s utterly hideous.

Can you get to a pharmacist or the doctor to have them listen with a stethoscope?

If you have chest pain, are short of breath, are coughing up blood or getting more unwell with a temperature and increasing dark colours phlegm you need to speak to a doctor . If you have an underlying chest condition or poor health you should also speak to a doctor.

Sorry - I’m clearly not with it - I’ve got asthma too which means I get a bit panicky when my breathing isn’t great.

I’ve spoken to the doctor and he thinks I need antibiotics which I’ve literally just collected.

He said the usual about seeking further assistance if I get a fever or cough up blood or breathing becomes difficult.

Brilliant! Feel better soon!!

I'm so glad you spoken to a doctor. I had similar, left it (didn't want to make a fuss/ I'd be fine soon etc) and ended up with pneumonia which took 6 months to get over properly. Get well soon!

Thank you - I honestly feel like I’ve been hit by a train.

I get a lot of colds and suffer when I have them but I generally can just crack on with paracetamol and a bit of Vicks but with this I feel exhausted.

I might go lie in the bath for bit and listen to a podcast.

Did they say anything about taking more of your preventer inhaler ?

I hope you get some sleep tonight . The antibiotics should have you feeling a bit better by tomorrow .

I don’t use a preventer - it was taken away as a trial 8 years ago and I’ve not needed it since.

I’ve also got sleep apnoea so the CPAP is a bit uncomfortable but I’m using it now as I mumsnet and podcast and it’s ok. Ive managed 3 doses of penicillin so hopefully I’ll be feeling better tomorrow.

I don’t use a preventer - it was taken away as a trial 8 years ago and I’ve not needed it since

If you are using your reliever a lot then you need to speak to your GP about that. It might just be temporary until you get over this illness.

3 doses of the antibiotics is good so I reckon you will feel a difference in the morning 🤞🏼