Chest Infection Or Virus?

[jd_1984]

When does a viral chesty cough (part of the flu I have had) become a chest infection? How can one distinguish? I know that if viral, the doctor will send me home and advise rest, fluids and paracetemol. But I am not sure if this is a chest infection, and anti biotics required to shift it. Other flu symptoms have all but gone, left with bad cough, heavy phlegm (greenish brown) and generally ache/tired
Cant be bothered going to doctors for him to tell me to do exactly what I am doing now?

[Old_Geezer]

Surely a viral chesty cough is a chest infection ?

[EDDIE51]

You have the same symptoms I had,the greenish phlegm is an indication of an infection. The doctor prescribed antibiotics and steroids, you need the same see your GP.

[Sqad]

Good question.

Ten doctors and will never get a unanimous opinion.

Colored sputum doesn't mean a bacterial infection......viral infections may also colour the sputum. Even if it is infected by bacteria, it is not an indication for antibiotic therapy, as healthy adults can fight off the infection.
If one was diabetic or suffering from a debilitating underlying illness, then antibiotics may be necessary.

There is no rule of the thumb or "sound bite " therapy, each patient assessed on his/her merit.

You seem to be getting better now, so i feel that antibiotics are not required, carry on with the rest..fluids and paracetamol.

Other Drs would support the post of Eddie.

[jd_1984]

I am going to give it until Monday morning and assess.
I am getting better each day it just seems like the chesty aspect of the flu is lingering.
Thanks for replies.

[jd_1984]

Sqad,
I have picked up some Beechams "All in one" which contains 200mg of Guaifenesin per dose. Should I have saved my money, is this just fancy packaging and a 99p pack of paracetemol is all that is required??

[Sqad]

jd......LOL.....you have bought it now........so why not use it?

Guafanesin is an expectorant.......so can't do any harm.

If it cures your symptoms, then it is worth every penny ;-)

[EDDIE51]

What helped me most was the steroids , I was finding it impossible to take more very shallow breaths, steroids made it possible to breath properly again.
If I were you I would go to the GP for steroids if nothing more.

[jd_1984]

EDDIE - fortunately I am not that bad, its a productive cough, nuisance more than anything. If I am still not right by Monday the doctor is going to be hearing from me.

[Brenden]

My main problem is lack of sleep, have been to the doctor and am taking paracetamol and antibiotic (500mg), it really is a lulu of a virus.

[jd_1984]

Earlier in the week sleep was the issue. Night chills and constant coughing. My OH was really fed up with me (us blokes don't get any sympathy with our man flu!) I would wait til the latest possible time to take 2 x 500mg Paracetemol with a hot honey and lemon drink before falling asleep with olbas oil on the duvet, about all you can do.

[pixie373]

In my experience, if there is a likelihood of infection, most doctors make you wait about 5 days in case it is viral. If no improvement then, they will try antibiotics. If you have asthma, or anything underlying, they will give them sooner to be safe.

[jd_1984]

I was asthmatic until age 14 and remember the GP always airing on the cautious side and giving me amoxicyllin if I had a bad cold in case my chest got really bad.

[pixie373]

Yes, my youngest son has asthma and they are more careful with him, too.

[jd_1984]

I grew out of asthma, which doe happen.
I remember clearly a football game I was playing in age about 14. Usually I was the kid puffing on Ventolin at half time, but this one occasion I played both halves without needing it. From then I started needing it less and less, fast forward a year or so and I was told I didn't have to attend asthma cinics anymore but to monitor any change.

[pixie373]

That's really good. I really hope he outgrows it too. It's been quite terrifying at times when he's gone blue.

[jd_1984]

Im in my 30's now and (touch wood) apart from times like now when I have cold or flu and associated bad chest, my asthma had stayed away.