To ask for a chest x-ray/further investigation?

[DorisTheParrot]

Fwiw I'm in my early 30's and normally in excellent health

I've had a persistent, hacking cough (and regular wheeze) for the past 6 weeks. Initially diagnosed as bronchitis. I have been coughing up thick, yellow mucus multiple times a day. I have been back and forth to the GP - prescribed two different antibiotics (neither of which had any effect). On the last visit (last Thursday) he prescribed a short term course of steroid tablets. These initially seemed to help and I thought that was the end of it. The steroids are due to finish tomorrow.

Today the cough (and the mucus) are back and as bad as it was before the steroids. Nothing seems to be helping or giving me any respite. Wibu to go back to the GP tomorrow and ask to be referred for further tests or a chest x-ray? I'm at my wits end 😔

Have you submitted a sputum sample and had that tested? If you do this, then you can have targeted antibiotics for the specific bacteria that you’re infected by.

I would push for an x ray to see if anything else is going on.

I think after 6 weeks and 2 lots of antibiotics and steroids, it is very reasonable to ask for a CXR. What antibiotics were they?
Agree a sputum specimen should be sent too. Has the GP taken a proper history? Past medical history, family history, current meds, any recent foreign travel, etc...
Sounds tiring and miserable.

No I haven't been asked for a sputum sample yet. I'll request one at the same appointment.

I've had Clarithromycin and Doxycycline so far.