Should I go back to the gp AGAIN?!

[Mamabear04]

I've had a horrendous cough now for coming up to 2 weeks. It was so bad that I went to the gp who said my oxygen levels were low and prescribed me antibiotics and rest (very hard to do as I have a baby and toddler!). 5 days later and no improvement so I went back and saw a different gp who said that my lungs are now clear but gave me another kind of antibiotic this time for 7 days. The antibiotics end tomorrow and the cough is still here and the fatigue is still not manageable. I'm so annoyed because I need to be on form to look after my kids and we have a holiday booked leaving next weekend. I have been looking forward to going on holiday all year as its been a stressful few months. Should I go back to the gp again? I still am hearing crackles in my throat when I lie down and the cough is still horrible, I don't understand how my lungs can be clear!

I’m a dr (not a gp)- your lungs may very well be clear and the ongoing “crackles” you are hearing are likely to be coming from the upper airways rather than deeper into the lungs. Post infective coughs can last 4-6 weeks after the infection itself has settled (though persistent coughs should still be checked out).

In simple terms, Infection can cause inflammation in the airways which in turn causes increased mucous production- it is not uncommon for this to persist despite the initial infection being resolved. It is a pain, but if that is what is happening for you then it just has to run it’s course.

If you feel unwell then go back, but it may be a case of needing time.