How do I know whether my cough is a chest infection?

[missblythe]

Can't face hauling DD with me to the GP only to be told that I don't have a chest infection so there's nothing they can do.

So:

Chesty (like I smoke 40 a day, which I don't) cough
Pain in my chest
Bringing up lots of green/yellow grossness

But no increased temperature

Do I sound like I need antibiotics or not?

green usually means infection get some abs pronto

Agree-green or yellow mucous means you need ABs.

Sounds like bronchitis, which is more often than not viral. What sort of pain? Pain when you breathe? Yellow/green phlegm can mean viral infection, lack of fever is reassuring. Antibiotics may have side effects (am on some now for tonsillitis and have very dodgy tummy!) so don't take unless necessary. If not settled in a couple of days see GP.

astra - how is your throat? Can you swallow yet?? I have resorted to using DS's Mr Bump coolpack for my swollen glands....

are you breathless at all? If you are , you definitely need to see your GP asap.

Are you able to rest and give yourself a chance to get over this? If resting and normal pain medication doesn't help, I would see your GP.

It could be viral, it could be bacterial, your GP should have a better idea.

ooh mr bump's coolpack sounds nice. it still hurts alot and can't swallow without wincing yet. though abs had brought down my temp.

Thanks all. Am going to try to wait it out until DD is in nursery tomorrow. By then will be hopefully be clearer whether I need abs.

Wish I could just knock back a bottle of drowsy Benylin a day, as I used to pre-DC, but am 7 months pg, so I'll just have to honey-and lemon-it and keep necking the paracetamol.

Are you better??