Chest Infection

[puzzled54]

Fairly sure I have a chest infection (brilliant timing). If I can't get antibiotics, will it just take longer to go?

[gness]

Puzzled...I developed a chest infection at the beginning of November. Thought it was just a bad cough and would go on its own....It became so severe I'm now on my second course of strong antibiotics and worse than that!!!!!....I've had not one glass of red over Christmas!! Not one... :-(

Get the pills!....Gx

[Buenchico]

See here:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Chest-infection-adult/Pages/Introduction.aspx
(especially the 'when to see a doctor' bit).

[puzzled54]

It's the actual getting to a doctor bit that is the problem

[gness]

Puzzled..have you got a walk in centre near you?
I found I had one when I looked at my surgery website to find out what to do when they are closed.

[237SJ]

I would have thought the antibiotics would just get on top of it to stop it developing into something else. If it was me and I wasn`t vulnerable (elderly, compromised immune system etc) I would see if it goes on it`s own. I don`t think I`ve ever been to the doctor with a chest investion. Just take paracetamol (if you have a temperature), keep hydrated, rest and maybe have some steam inhalations to loosen up the mucus and make it easier to cough up.

[237SJ]

*infection* not investion

[Sqad]

I have no idea in answering your question......have you got a chest infection or haven't you.

Do you feel well in yourself, have you got a temperature and if the answer to both of those questions is in the negative, then you probably.y haven t got a temperature and it will take it s course.

Monitor the situation for 48 hours.

[Sqad]

Two further thoughts:

Antibiotics can GIVE you a chest infection.

Good answer by 237SJ