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If you have asthma - does coughing up phlegm with a cold always mean infection and antibiotics?

7 replies

Mimsy2000 · 24/03/2009 06:43

Sorry - a bit gross but yet again my cold has gone straight into my chest and I"m coughing up stuff. Can't bear another visit to GP and antibiotics if not necessary.

?

OP posts:
RubberDuck · 24/03/2009 08:26

Hmm, while I'm asthmatic and I avoid antibiotics as much as possible as I'm allergic to one (penicillin) and highly sensitive to another (erythromyacin) which doesn't leave a lot left

I have to say that I've had a very phlegmy cough thing for the last two weeks and it's gradually clearing and I haven't bothered going to the GP (although I have been on full dosage of preventers and relievers for the duration).

I think if there was any sign that at max previously agreed doses for preventers and relievers I was still struggling to breathe then I'd be down at the GPs like a shot, ditto if the stuff I was coughing up was in any way fluorescent (you know the type I mean!) or if I had pain in my chest.

I think if you've been asthmatic for a long while then you get to know when you're struggling and need extra help - the trick is to trust those instincts and act on them (which I have to confess, I'm bad at doing).

All that said, whenever I've been to the GP and I've asked if they think antibiotics are strictly necessary, they've been 100% honest. They know I don't like taking them lightly. And it might be that you don't need them but would really benefit from having a short course of steroid treatment or an increase of asthma meds just to get you through to recovery.

On balance, I have found that if I've needed to ask the question whether I should go to the GPs or not, I really did need to go.

Hope that helps, and I hope you feel better soon.

nickschick · 24/03/2009 08:29

I think it depends on the colour [tmi]

Mimsy2000 · 24/03/2009 12:05

rubberduck - i hear what you are saying, esp 'if i have to ask then i prob should...'. sigh....

OP posts:
RubberDuck · 24/03/2009 12:17

Aw. Go on, phone up. And let us know how you get on

Really, they won't prescribe ABs if they don't think you need them, especially if you stress that you would like to avoid them if at all possible. It'll give you peace of mind and they won't think you're a time waster, I promise.

ThingOne · 24/03/2009 16:40

What colour is your phlegm? That's what makes the difference. Coughing up phlegm is good - it means your lungs are working. Are you taking extra medication? I double my inhaler when I have a cold/cough, after discussion with GP and asthma nurse.

Mimsy2000 · 24/03/2009 19:58

thanks. phlegm is yellowy-brown. went to gp today and she wanted to wait a bit before antibiotics, which i was very happy to do. my breathing, so far, isnt' too bad so maybe i'll get off lightly!

[dreaming of dry heat......]

thanks for the help

OP posts:
RubberDuck · 24/03/2009 21:24

Oh that's good news, Mimsy Fingers crossed that you feel lots better over the next couple of days.

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