Is there any point going to the GP's for possible chest infection?

[LadySnapcase]

Described my symptoms to a pharmacist and he recommended I see a doctor as I might have a chest infection. However, even if I do, what are the chances they would actually give me something for it? I imagine they'll tell me it's probably viral and to just wait it out...

My understanding is if things have moved onto your chest, you'd be given antibiotics.
But this is based on attending gp appointments, and not medical knowledge.
Hope your feeling better soon

I don't know how they tell whether it is viral or bacterial, but Dh and I have both, in the past, been given antibiotics for a chest infection. So IME it's probably worth going.

Even though the pharmacist has recommended it, chances are it's still viral because most chest infections are. If you think it feels exactly the same as previous viral infections you have had then you are more than likely right.

However if it has been going on several days and you do not feel you are improving or are actually getting worse, then it is worth seeing your GP to make sure.

The nhs website has some good advice about how to tell the difference and when to see the doctor

Thanks everyone. Have looked at the website Pelvic, am not sure it feels bad enough to be pneumonia, but then I've never had a chest infection before so can't really judge how severe it is Also it's a bit better during the day, so I think to myself that it's not too bad and talk myself out of seeing anyone, but then when I'm up coughing for an hour at 3am it feels much worse Annoyingly it doesn't seem to be improving, and the coughing and lack of sleep is killing me, so might chance the walk-in centre tomorrow...

Hope you feel better soon

Thank you