Chest Infection.

[Jennykenny]

Have had a chest infection for eight days now.
Doctor says no to antibiotics. Pharmacist has recommended some things which are helping, decongestant etc, but the problem persists.
I’m coughing up huge amounts of discoloured phlegm, it’s exhausting and never ending. I am no different than I was on day one.
I have no appetite but drinking loads of water.
How long can this possibly go on? I don’t think I can go on much longer.

[bednobs]

i think you need to return to the GP. when did you see her last?

[pixie374]

If you have tried without antibiotics for over a week and there is no improvement at all, it might be worth going back to see what they say now. How long ago did you see the GP?

[Georgiesmum]

There are a lot of chest infections going around at the moment. You are in the fashion! They usually take a good couple of weeks to go.

[Voltage]

mine has just cleared up after 4 weeks i took no antibiotics tho

[Jahulaye]

When I have a chest infection I fill the sink with boiling water, add a scoop of vicks vapour rub, Epsom salts, dettol then cover my head with a towel and inhale the fumes several times a day and it works a treat

[murraymints]

had mine several weeks and has not yet cleared completely.

[Islay]

Try rubbing vicks on the soles of your feet then putting on a pair of socks - do this as your ready to go to bed it will help with your breathing and clear some of the crap from your chest

[Jahulaye]

Great point islay, I’ve always been interested in the health benefits of reflexology.

[Sqad]

Your Dr is correct......it is certainly viral, which will not be cured by antibiotics and may last for 3-4 weeks.
The fact that you can cough up the phlegm is a plus.

Vick on the souls of your feet is nonsense.

[Sqad]

^^^^ soles^^^

[Jahulaye]

I think we need to explore more into alternative and unorthodox medicines instead of of always relying on mega pharma corporations.

The Chinese are big on green tea and tai chi and live into their hundreds where our elderly rely on pharmaceuticals and drop like flies

[Jennykenny]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. You seem to have nailed it Squad, but I don’t feel any further on.
(I only spoke to the doctor on the phone yesterday, but I said I was welcome to make an appointment. I don’t see the point.)
What I want to know, is there a cure or do I just have to wait till it goes away of its own account?

[Jennykenny]

He said I was welcome

[Jennykenny]

I have been recommended Sudafed and Fluimucil.
Any thoughts?

[237SJ]

Sudafed won't do anything unless your sinuses are blocked.

[Jahulaye]

A gp prescribing an otc med as sudafed for a chest infection? I’d get a new gp!

[Mamyalynne]

You're bringing up phlegm so wouldn't bother with the Fluimucil either.

[NoMercy]

Chest infections can sadly last a few weeks but you should notice gradual improvement after a fortnight.

Paracetamol 1gm qds is something I would recommend to help keep your temperature down and loosen any gunk - I've also found this beneficial when I've had a bad wheeze and no Salbutamol to hand.

As Sqad says, Vicks on the feet is total carp. I've tried it, to no avail.

[Jennykenny]

No, these were recommendations from friends.

[murraymints]

Jenny I am only just beginning to feel a tad better after several weeks, I can only sympathise and hope you too feel better soon...