Should I go to the Dr's?

[2k9kids]

Both children have had terrible coughs and colds over Christmas and New Year.
The baby's cough is only just going now after more than 4 weeks.
Have been to the Dr's with them twice and got told both times that it is viral and they can't do anything.

Now I've got the hacking cough, no cold though. Had it over a week and I'm now sounding like a barking dog and coughing up what looks like snot. My chest feels heavy too.

Is it worth going to the Dr's to check for chest infection? or is pretty much going to be viral as thats what the babies have had?

If you are coughing up greenies (not just slightly yellow stuff) then I would see the Dr, especially if you have a fever.

If you suspect a chest infection, best to get it checked out as that can be treated with abs.
Could well have started as a viral infection but led to secondary bacterial infection now that they can treat.
Hope you feel better soon x

Could be yellow rather than green, its fairly pale. Is that viral then?

Not necessarily. How bad is your chest? Are you wheezing or asthmatic - if so, then you should def go to the GP. Does it feel like breathing is laboured as you are knackered and have upper respiratory tract cattarrh (gunk) that you are coughing up?
My DD2 went to see the GP (worried about her ear) and she has an awful chesty barking cough with gunk. Told it was only on the top of her chest, not in her lungs and lungs were clear = no abs.
I was wheezing (mild ashmatic) and felt crackly lower down, like a wet cold heavy towel on my chest and lower back hurt when I breathed. GP confirmed it had gone lower and turned into an infection = abs

If you are in doubt, give the GP a ring. That is what they are there for. Nobody likes wasting their time or being seen to be not deserving enough for treatment BUT they are there to advise and help too. If you feel really rotten and are concerned, go get it checked out.

Also, no way anyone on line can give you an accurate diagnosis - a doc needs to listen to your chest to be able to tell you the best course of treatment x

Have you tried a hot steamy shower or inhaling menthol crystals/olbas oil etc to try to loosen up all the cattargh? that can make you feel a lot better too (was what they advised me for DD2 and she improved a lot - did before bed and slept sounder)

Ok thanks.
Will try that and will see how I feel later and give the Dr's a call if I feel rough.
Thanks!

Hope you are feeling brighter soon x