Chest Infection?

[nailit]

For the last couple of weeks, Ive had (I think) a chest infection. Ive been coughing up quiet a lot of rubbish and I 'rattle' when I breath.
I havnt been to the doctors because all they can do is prescribe antibiotics and they tend to have a few unpleasant side effects on me. In the past when Ive had similar Ive just rode it out until it passes but this seems to be lingering.
Will it eventually right itself or am I going to have to endure a course of antibiotics?
Also I gave up smoking at the start of the year and think this may have something to do with it (lungs getting rid of years of poison?)
Thanks for any replies.

[boxtops]

OH's mum had to give up smoking last year and she brought up loads of nastiness for a good while afterwards.... The NHS advice is only to visit the doc if the cough has lasted more than 3 weeks. Can you take prioprietary cough mix, nailit, or do you have to be careful of what's in it?

[Sqad]

If you feel fine in yourself, then antibiotics may well not be needed, but your GP will be the judge of that.

Yes, providing that your general health and breathing do not deteriorate, then you may well have to "ride it out."

[ChillDoubt]

If you're going to forego the atibiotics I'd recommend a 15 minute shower a couple of times a day, it'll act a bit like a nebuliser, make your breathing easier and help loosen the rubbish for easier removal, without going into details!

[Sqad]

Good point by Chilli ^^^^^

[ChillDoubt]

Thanks Sqad, praise indeed!

[Sqad]

LOL..............

[nailit]

Many thanks for speedy replies guys.
The only thing Ive been taking is Covonia (recommended by the pharmacist). Ive actually had a cough for some time before giving up smoking (part of the reason I packed it in) its only in the last couple of weeks that Ive been bringing up rubbish like I have tho. My breathing does feel 'heavy' at times and I get out of breath easily but thats hardly surprising after years of smoking, apart from that I feel generally physically ok.
Havnt got a shower, wish I had....

[ChillDoubt]

Face over a bowl of hot water and a towel over your head for 10 minutes, best I can suggest.

[nailit]

Never thought about that Chill, will give it a go. Thanks

[Arksided]

Having had a chest infection, more recently than earlier years I did find the antibiotics prescribed helpful... weaning off any drug to me is the best coarse of action.

I wouldn't suggest cold turkey to anyone, hardest way to go.

Just keep talking on here it seems good advice.. throughout recent troubles.

[Jackdaw33]

Depends what antibiotics you are on. Cephalexin has worked wonders for me in the past. Cured within three days.

[woofgang]

I went to the doc after having a dreadful cold, it left me with a scarey cough and a rattle. Doc listened to my chest and said that although there was junk in there, the problem was with my upper airway and prescribed ventolin. It was magical, no side effects and within 48 hours the cough had subsided to bearable, the junk came up and my chest cleared. Doc said that around here the virus had come with a truly awful cough this year and they had been trying giving ventolin instead of antibiotics and finding it very successful.