Who do I believe GP or mate who is ex nurse

[Oldsu]

Have a cold which has gone straight to my chest and I have been wheezing, coughing and struggling for breath - I smoke (yes I KNOW) and assumed its the cause of my whezzyness (sp?) never had it so bad before so took day of work and went to docs

Did breath thingy red marker didn't even hit half way mark and he checked me over, he didn't seem too concerned, warned me that I would get more incidences like this if I didn't quit smoking (YES I AM GOING TO). Prescribed Antibiotics, Steroids and inhaler, said I was 'crackling' whatever that means.

Anyhow told my mate who is an ex nurse and she went mad, has told me that 'crackling' could be the start of pneumonia, and that you didn't get steroids, antibiotics and an inhaler for just a wheezy chest and that the red marker on the test should be 3/4 along the test thingy for normal lung function.

She is panicking me now saying I am very ill and called my GP a quack so now I am worried, but the GP who is normally very good did not seem to be that concerned.

Uh, no-brainer, from the title alone.

So your GP said you were ill and have you lots of treatment but didn't express themselves in melodramatic enough terms to please your friend?

If it gets worse, go back to the doctor - which is exactly what you would have done anyway, isn't it?

GP

Peak flow for an adult is 3/4 along, and presumably this is why your GP has prescribed antibiotics, steroids and inhaler

Your friend sounds a little dramatic and I'd be inclined to ignore her. Or milk it for all it's worth and get her to come and look after you and clean your house.

Creaking/crackling is a diagnostic sign for both pneumonia and bronchitis, but if you don't have a fever and you're otherwise reasonably healthy it's unlikely to be serious.

The treatment for mild bacterial pneumonia is antibiotics (unlike most other common chest infections), so it seems like your GP is treating you properly? Have a rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you start to feel very unwell, call the GP back.

Even if you have pneumonia, what additional treatment does your nurse friend think you should have?

Can't think of anything different to treat you, and steroids, inhalers and antibiotics seem perfect for your respiratory problem, whatever the reason for it.

I'd say there's a reason why your mate is an ex-nurse...

You've been examined and prescribed treatment that certainly sounds as if your GP is taking your symptoms seriously. Do please get seen again if you get any worse or if symptoms don't improve soon.

It sounds like the Doctor is well aware that you have a chest infection (which is what pneumonia is) has assessed you and given you what sounds like appropriate treatment.
As Lottie says, take the treatment and go back immediately if you become more breathless or unwell.
Hope you make a quick recovery

Cross posted with many others, sounds like we all agree though

thanks sorry she scared me a bit another friend died of pneumonia (my age and smoker) so was getting worried, don't go to GP very often but I like him he is blunt but seems to know his stuff)

Your friend sounds very dramatic! Your GP has calmly given you treatment. She wanted dramatic proclamations and what additional treatment.

it is more likely to be bronchitis if you smoke. Not a judgement btw, I smoke too.
Unless you have a very high temp and other symptoms it won't be pneumonia but also agree if it doesn't clear up after a couple of days of meds, or gets worse, go back to gp.

It certainly sounds like he knows his stuff [smile

Hope you feel better soon.

Not surprised he is an ex nurse. What a load of rubbish he has spouted. Had to laugh at the "red marker on the thingy". This is the peak flow meter which is dependent on age, sex and height and as yours was low you have reduced lung function as your airways are tight and hence you are wheezing and therefore the correct treatment was steroids.

She's right, you're unwell and you probably need antibiotics, steroids and an inhaler. Oh wait ...

Hope you feel better soon x

You have a chest infection. It may or may not be caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Either way you are getting appropriate treatment by someone qualified who has actually examined you.

I would ignore your well-meaning friend's advice and suggest she refrain from dishing out her outdated and incomplete expertise to others.