Should I go back to doctor?

[Deleted]

I have bronchitis. I went to the doctor on Fri and was told I had a chest cold. I got antibiotics and a codeine cough syrup. The next morning I felt worse, had a horrible cough and a fever. Went back to the doctor that morning and was told it had gone into bronchitis. I got a stronger cough syrup and prednisone (bc I have asthma). Fast forward. I've been out of work since Friday, resting and taking care of myself. I think the meds have worked well enough but I still have an awful cough and lots of congestion. I just took my temperature and am running a low grade fever. I was supposed to return to work today but didn't feel up to it. What do y'all think - should I go back to the doctor?

ETA: TMI, but when I blow my nose it isn't all clear - it has some yellow in there too.  
Gross, I know.

[bunnymendelbaum]

Did you call them? What did they say?

I don't mess around with lung stuff. Can too easily turn into pneumonia. Can you take deep breaths?

[Susie]

Why did they give you abx when they thought it was a chest cold? Colds are viral. The whole thing seems weird to me.

Since you're getting better I would probably take another day of rest, but not rush back for a 3rd trip to the doctor in what, 5 days? A deep cough and congestion can take a while to resolve, and a doctor can't speed it along if that's all that has to happen.

[sierramist03]

I thought yellow snot meant sinus infection....

[Deleted]

Bunny, I have a call into their office. I can take a decent breath due to the steroid, but before I couldn't. I'd go into a coughing fit when I tried, still do some.

Susie, IDK about the antibiotic either. That seems to be pretty standard practice where I live. Maybe it was precautionary since I'm asthmatic. I'm not always in agreement with antibiotics always being prescribed but I went along with it in this case to be safe.

Sierra, my understanding is yellow = respiratory infection of some magnitude.  But its way beyond a sinus infection here given the chest cough.

[OG Jo]

I just went through the same thing and was told they gave me the antibiotic to ward of a secondary infection of pneumonia or something equally awful. I had to go through two rounds of the prednisone before I felt better... Are you on something like Advair too for the asthma?

[Deleted]

Feb 20, 2013 13:23:17 GMT -5 OG Jo said:

I just went through the same thing and was told they gave me the antibiotic to ward of a secondary infection of pneumonia or something equally awful. I had to go through two rounds of the prednisone before I felt better... Are you on something like Advair too for the asthma?

Hi Jo, you feel my pain then. ;-)

I have two inhalers that my pulmonary doc prescribes - one is my maintenance and the other is a rescue. The urgent care doctors told me to use the rescue inhaler 4x a day until I'm better. I'm wondering if I should ask for a refill on the prednisone, because it does help my breathing not be so raspy.

[boiler717]

I would at least call the doc and see if they want to change your antibiotic therapy. I've had a couple of sinus infections where I've failed the first round of antibiotics and we go to something else. It's not uncommon with empiric therapy. I hope you feel better soon!

[OG Jo]

Feb 20, 2013 13:39:36 GMT -5 downtonali said:

Feb 20, 2013 13:23:17 GMT -5 OG Jo said:

I just went through the same thing and was told they gave me the antibiotic to ward of a secondary infection of pneumonia or something equally awful. I had to go through two rounds of the prednisone before I felt better... Are you on something like Advair too for the asthma?

Hi Jo, you feel my pain then. ;-)

I have two inhalers that my pulmonary doc prescribes - one is my maintenance and the other is a rescue. The urgent care doctors told me to use the rescue inhaler 4x a day until I'm better. I'm wondering if I should ask for a refill on the prednisone, because it does help my breathing not be so raspy.

Yes, I do feel your pain!  I was diagnosed with an ear infection, sinus infection, and the bronchitis.  I have some wicked bad allergies and asthma, and I get this crud almost every year but this time it really knocked me on my butt.  For literally two weeks, I did not feel well enough to do anything besides come to work, and even that was a struggle.  I couldn't sleep because I felt so bad, but I was tired ALL THE TIME.   I finished my second round of prednisone today and was able to ride my horses this weekend for a little bit without wanting to pass out.  Definitely call and see what your doc says - the second round of 'roids really helped me more than anything. 

[mrssavy42112]

I'd wait for a call back from the Dr. If they don't call back, call again. I've also received preventative antibiotics while enduring a viral infection since I'm very prone to sinus infections. The Dr. could also have been using the term 'cold' loosely and really meaning bacterial infection. Although these days, I think the majority of the lay population understands simple medical terminology well enough.

Did he suggest taking Mucinex to help break up the chest congestion??

[OG Jo]

YES - I forgot about the Mucinex - the doctor had me keep taking it until this week. That is really the only thing that helped - I hope you are already taking it!