Cannot Get Enough Oxygen.

[david small]

I’ve had a chesty cough for well over a year. It’s progressively gotten worse. About six months ago I managed to speak by phone to the practice nurse regarding the chest infection. She prescribed a nasal spray saying she thought it was leakage from my sinuses causing the issue. I knew from long experience that I had a chest infection. Two weeks later she acquiesced and gave a prescription for general purpose antibiotics, a five day course. The effects were noticeable but insufficient. She adamantly refused to give me another, stronger, longer course of antibiotics.
Now I have gotten considerably worse. I have a long and severe hacking cough but worse, now I cannot breathe deeply. It’s as though I cannot get enough oxygen into my lungs. I am yawning constantly but am unable to complete the yawn enough to satisfy my need for air.
It is very alarming not to be able to breathe deeply. Also I get out of breath very easily. The slight effort of walking upstairs and I’m breathless. My local practice won’t let me speak to a doctor, they are in hiding still. This breathing issue is progressing at an alarming rate and I fear that my lungs may be permanently damaged.Last night I sat on the edge of the bed trying to get a decent breath of air until four in the morning. I’m a none smoker, none drinker, but disabled due to a catastrophically bodged hip operation twenty years ago. I’m seventy this month. Helpful suggestions appreciated.

[barry1010]

Keep on topic, folks, this is a serious question.

Have you rung 111, David, or got an appointment to see the GP? You really must do something today.

[anneasquith]

Very true Barry . Forget faffing about with gp surgery . Either 111 or A&E ,

[david small]

Thank you all for your answers. yes sqad I have had both jabs, and a negative test result. I am in the UK. Khandro.
I`m waiting for a callback from the local surgery probably the rather testy nurse practitioner. If I get nowhere as I suspect, that will leave no option but 111, or A&E. breathless still, but still breathing. Thank you for your input I appreciate it.

[dannyk13]

Do let us know how you get on.

[anneasquith]

David, please don’t be reluctant to contact 111, or A&E. you obviously require a service ,I’d suggest you go get it where it is most convenient for you now . Good luck

[Mamyalynne]

Hope you get the help you clearly need David.

[pixie374]

I would go 111, before A&E. As, if they decide you should go- you will be seen, as you have been assessed, and not have to wait for hours.
Please get some help.

[roopower]

Yes, pixie, if 111 deem it an emergency they will send an ambulance. Much quicker way of getting help.

[david small]

As predicted the nurse practitioner eventually phoned at 4.15. Results were a nebuliser, I’m not asthmatic. A blood test in two weeks time. A chest X-ray tomorrow.
I tried the nebuliser, no effect. Perhaps the X-ray will reveal the problem. She would not budge on any antibiotics. She said it might be my heart. Not impressed.

[pixie374]

Ok. But if you are struggling to cope, or can't breathe, go for 911 anyway.

[pixie374]

111.

[calmck]

I think 111 or A and E as a precaution as nebuliser did nothing. You need someone to put a stethoscope to your chest and listen. If you get any worse don't wait any longer. Are you breathless when you speak? Hope tomorrow's chest X-ray gives an answer. If there is anything serious then a report of the surgery should be considered. I do wonder if the nurse has actually spoken to a doctor

[Canary42]

Quite frankly, if it's as bad as you say (struggling for breath at 4 in the morning) I would be tempted to ring 999.

Your practice nurse need sacking.

[anneasquith]

My thoughts on practice nurses, they are advised what to say by GPS. ( sorry to change the subject ). David, it would appear interested abers suggest 111.

[Sqad]

Blimey....give the nebuliser a chance....nurse advised at 4.15, now only just over an hour.
She may be right....it may be your heart and from what you have said, i agree that antibiotics are not necessary.
Your breathing has clearly improved since your morning postings.
Do what you have been advised and monitor the situation.
I agree, it is not a high standard of medical care.

[barry1010]

David, nebulisers are also used for emphysema and other lung conditions, not just asthma. The drug being used in the nebuliser makes the difference.
Do not hesitate to dial 999 if you think it necessary.

[pixie374]

I disagree, sqad. Nebulisers in a crisis, usually make a fairly instant and dramatic imorovement- if they are going to work.

[Sqad]

Pixie.......noted.

[eve1974]

The gp practice sounds crap! Why are so many practices hiding behind this telephone triage system?

Yes it (might have) been required at the height of covid but now some people need face to face appt!

[barry1010]

Any improvement today, David?