To go to A & E

[HungryandIknowit]

Have a chest infection, just started antibiotics 24 hrs ago. GP referred me for an urgent chest x-ray but said to go to A & E if it gets worse. The cough is better but the pain in my right lower ribs when I move, cough, or breathe is worse. WIBU to wait and see if the antibiotics work? Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Pleurisy? If you are unsure whether it warrants a visit tonight could you call 111 to check?

You should give antibiotics at least 3 days to work. Have you taken any painkillers?

Me!! We're you coughing lots? I had managed to tear an intercostal muscle through coughing. The pain was tremendous - never known anything like it and I'm a tough old bird.

I had pleurisy and it was just like you’re describing. I had high strength antibiotics and painkillers for a week which was how long it took to break the back of it. Try ibuprofen or any other NSAIDs you can take., and lying on the side that hurts is likely to be less painful than on your back.

Yes taken painkillers and will top them up when I can. Thanks all - breathing fine so hopefully it's a muscle thing!

As long as you can breathe I Dont think it warrants A&E
Give the antibiotics time to work

You're all reassuring me about staying at home. I really don't fancy an A & E trip. Thanks!

Hope you're feeling better soon

I had pleurisy and it was awful. It took me a month to completely recover.
Hope you feel better soon.