Chest Infection or something else

[4MyEgo]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

The friend I mentioned in a previous post had several episodes like this and every time he would go to the doctor and they would prescribe him Augmentin and on one occasion, it did work as he probably did have a bacterial infection, but on the others it didn't and I was extremely concerned when I went round to see him one day and he was laying on the sofa feeling not well at all.

 

He had just gone out to buy some more Augmentin and had already been on a three-week course with no improvement whatsoever, so I advised him to stop taking them, but, he said I'm still coughing up phlegm!

 

Very often that is a reaction to inflamed airways and not always an infection. Anyway he stopped the antibiotics and just used a bronchial dilator for a while and seemed to get better, but he did have a persistent cough and when it got bad, this whole set of symptoms would start up again. When he went back to the UK and saw his Dr that's when the link between the statin and this cough was established. So he's changed that to another one and has been free of this never-ending cycle for about four years now.

 

As regards another poster and second opinions, I fully subscribe to that here especially as I've had experience with that myself where one doctor kept prescribing antibiotics after antibiotic for what he considered was a minor UTI and he wouldn't culture the specimen, even after I asked many times. This esp as I was feeling very sick indeed.

 

Eventually I saw another doctor and E. coli ESBL (resistant to most antibiotics) was established and I had to go on daily intravenous injections of a rare and expensive antibiotic for 14 days.

 

As it turns out the original Dr had a bit of a history of this as another acquaintance told me......... he had been having some bladder problems and this Dr looked inside with a cystoscope and suggested there was cancer present and that he may have to remove his bladder.

 

This guy immediately went back to Australia to see his own doctor and the specialist there diagnosed a small lesion in his bladder which was treated successfully (radiotherapy I think) and a couple of years later everything is fine.

 

Anyway we compared notes on this Dr and decided that his name should be, "Dr death" after both of our experiences – – not only that I found out that other patients had similar experiences, and even some of the nurses used to raise their eyebrows at the mention of his name.

 

Basically, a second opinion is always worthwhile, especially over here, and quite possibly so in other countries as well.

 

PS. So pleased that you managed to get a good nights sleep when off the statin...….and as for antihistamines, the latest generation ones are less inclined to give that "spaced out/tired" feeling, and just in case I take them before I go to bed!

It's a tough one to know or understand what one has, Google and TVF members assistance does help, and it does open up other possibilities to what one could have, and I think awareness of the symptoms does help.

 

Being new to the doctor/hospital system here in Thailand does make me nervous when getting treated, however I cannot complain at the level of service I have received from the public hospitals, however it is very very different to how things are done in Sydney, here it feels like, they assess you at what the feel it might be, give you a bandaid and then send you on your way, as opposed to, this needs to be further looked into, although to be fair, that is what the doctor did on the 2nd visit.

 

The above said my symptoms have improved 90%, might get the occasional cough in the morning and clear whatever phlegm there is, 1st one brown, then white, although if I listen hard enough will have a slight wheeze, no inhaler, antibiotics or anything now, and having come off my statins last night (my decision) for one day off, one day on for a week, might just assist me even further.

 

I will also discuss the statin topic with my GP & Cardiologist when I go back to Sydney to see what their thoughts on it is, they may even say let's change the brand ?

 

As I eat healthy and do exercise regularly, I will put it to the Cardiologist that I go on lower doses or one tablet every two days, and check that against blood test. 

 

The important thing for me now is that the airways are open and I can breath good. I don't want to put this aside because it is a really uncomfortable feeling when your sort of gasping for air and coughing up your lungs enough that your heart is saying, ouch, that hurts, and hopefully a proper diagnoses will give us a plan of attack for the next time it flairs up, if it does, e.g. Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD or anything else.

 

No one said aging gets easier, but we all want to keep sucking in as much of that free air as we can for as long as we can. 

[4MyEgo]

Here is the update:

 

Didn't make it to Khon Kaen Hospital to do the COPD check as I had a coughing attack on Sunday night, which literally went on all night, phlegm still yellow, a week after being to the local public hospital where I have been before for other matters before and all good.

 

The respiratory sections doctor of the hospital a week earlier that did a spirometry test with on Monday week ago, that was after the local doctor requested I go to the hospital for a chest x-ray the Sunday night previous to that, said all was clear, and all natural to cough up phlegm and have a cough for up to 8 weeks after the flu, and that I didn't need anything. 

 

A week later, yesterday, I said to the wife, ok, lets take up your recommendation NOW, drive an hour to AEK Private Hospital at Udon Thani, the place is like a 5 star hotel, a hell of a lot less people than back at the local, i.e. 10/100 and a lot of admin and nursing staff, big clean place and modern, like back in Sydney.

 

Doctor saw me within 10 minutes, I provided the background, he did a stethoscope check on chest and back, suggested chest x-ray, told him had one a week ago, all clear, said still needed to see a fresh one, because things could have changed in a week, so had another one, all clear, he then referred me to a chest specialist a few doors up, she saw me within 10 minutes, did the same check and saw the x-ray, said it could also have to do with the sinuses and would like an x-ray, me saying, here we go, cha-ching, so we did the x-ray, all clear.

 

She then said from what she has heard and checked, It was more than likely that I was suffering from Chronic Bronchitis (bacterial) from the color of the phlegm, with possibly mild COPD, but doubted that as I gave up smoking 18 years ago and was naturally healthy for my age, due to me exercising and eating clean foods, however didn't want to put me through a COPD test yet and recommended an inhaler with steroids which I took in front of her, well hello !!!! did that wake me up or what, felt much better immediately as I did on the way home for the next hour and into the evening after also taking the antibiotics and other stuff at the hospital, amazing !!!

 

On top of the turbuhaler (inhaler) with steroids (Symbicort) which I take 2 puffs in the morning and two puffs in the evening, she also gave me Brenal syrup to take 4 times a day x 5mm, and more prescribed antibiotics (Prednisolone 5mg) x 1.5 tablets after breakfast, Levofloxcin 500mg x 2, 3 times a day after meals, Nac Long 600mg dissolvable tablets, one in the morning after breakfast and Telfast 180mg tablets (antihistamine) one before bed which are supposed to make you drowsy and make you sleep, but antihistamine tablets keep me awake, although drowsy, 2 hours later ZZZZ.

 

I have to say, haven't felt this good in at least 5-6 weeks, and she said its normal to cough a little for the first couple of days, which I did a little last night and a little today, but zero phlegm and not enough coughing to say, ouch, mild scratchy throat sort of coughing with the occasional bigger one, but nothing like trying to cough your lungs out through your mouth like before.

 

She asked to see me in two weeks for a follow up which I agreed on, and said if I am not better in a week to come straight back.

 

What have I learnt from all of this, being a sort of new comer to the hospitals of Thailand, 1st class is best, although the local doctor and hospital charge a fraction of the price, and that is not the reason I had been going, moreso a convenient 15 minute drive Vs an hour drive, the doctors at AEK were very thorough and everything was there, and as for the 5,662 baht for 2 x-rays, the doctor and specialist's fees, and all the meds, compared to the usual 350 baht at the local, the prognosis and recovered in a day, is worth every baht. I also felt the doctors were not rushing you, noting that the local doctors clinic is open for an hour with about 100 patients to get through, the hospital, even more, whereas this place is relaxed, and the doctors are thorough.

 

AEK Udon Thani will be my every stop from now on, only because of the abundance of pretty nurses, of course ?

 

Thanks for everyone's input over the past few weeks, but I am cured, and now know where to check in when I need a smiling nurse or two or three ?

[xylophone]

6 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Here is the update:

 

Didn't make it to Khon Kaen Hospital to do the COPD check as I had a coughing attack on Sunday night, which literally went on all night, phlegm still yellow, a week after being to the local public hospital where I have been before for other matters before and all good.

 

The respiratory sections doctor of the hospital a week earlier that did a spirometry test with on Monday week ago, that was after the local doctor requested I go to the hospital for a chest x-ray the Sunday night previous to that, said all was clear, and all natural to cough up phlegm and have a cough for up to 8 weeks after the flu, and that I didn't need anything. 

 

A week later, yesterday, I said to the wife, ok, lets take up your recommendation NOW, drive an hour to AEK Private Hospital at Udon Thani, the place is like a 5 star hotel, a hell of a lot less people than back at the local, i.e. 10/100 and a lot of admin and nursing staff, big clean place and modern, like back in Sydney.

 

Doctor saw me within 10 minutes, I provided the background, he did a stethoscope check on chest and back, suggested chest x-ray, told him had one a week ago, all clear, said still needed to see a fresh one, because things could have changed in a week, so had another one, all clear, he then referred me to a chest specialist a few doors up, she saw me within 10 minutes, did the same check and saw the x-ray, said it could also have to do with the sinuses and would like an x-ray, me saying, here we go, cha-ching, so we did the x-ray, all clear.

 

She then said from what she has heard and checked, It was more than likely that I was suffering from Chronic Bronchitis (bacterial) from the color of the phlegm, with possibly mild COPD, but doubted that as I gave up smoking 18 years ago and was naturally healthy for my age, due to me exercising and eating clean foods, however didn't want to put me through a COPD test yet and recommended an inhaler with steroids which I took in front of her, well hello !!!! did that wake me up or what, felt much better immediately as I did on the way home for the next hour and into the evening after also taking the antibiotics and other stuff at the hospital, amazing !!!

 

On top of the turbuhaler (inhaler) with steroids (Symbicort) which I take 2 puffs in the morning and two puffs in the evening, she also gave me Brenal syrup to take 4 times a day x 5mm, and more prescribed antibiotics (Prednisolone 5mg) x 1.5 tablets after breakfast, Levofloxcin 500mg x 2, 3 times a day after meals, Nac Long 600mg dissolvable tablets, one in the morning after breakfast and Telfast 180mg tablets (antihistamine) one before bed which are supposed to make you drowsy and make you sleep, but antihistamine tablets keep me awake, although drowsy, 2 hours later ZZZZ.

 

I have to say, haven't felt this good in at least 5-6 weeks, and she said its normal to cough a little for the first couple of days, which I did a little last night and a little today, but zero phlegm and not enough coughing to say, ouch, mild scratchy throat sort of coughing with the occasional bigger one, but nothing like trying to cough your lungs out through your mouth like before.

 

She asked to see me in two weeks for a follow up which I agreed on, and said if I am not better in a week to come straight back.

 

What have I learnt from all of this, being a sort of new comer to the hospitals of Thailand, 1st class is best, although the local doctor and hospital charge a fraction of the price, and that is not the reason I had been going, moreso a convenient 15 minute drive Vs an hour drive, the doctors at AEK were very thorough and everything was there, and as for the 5,662 baht for 2 x-rays, the doctor and specialist's fees, and all the meds, compared to the usual 350 baht at the local, the prognosis and recovered in a day, is worth every baht. I also felt the doctors were not rushing you, noting that the local doctors clinic is open for an hour with about 100 patients to get through, the hospital, even more, whereas this place is relaxed, and the doctors are thorough.

 

AEK Udon Thani will be my every stop from now on, only because of the abundance of pretty nurses, of course ?

 

Thanks for everyone's input over the past few weeks, but I am cured, and now know where to check in when I need a smiling nurse or two or three ?

Great to hear and let's hope you are back to full health once the meds have finished. Well done.

Edited July 3, 2018 by xylophone

[Sheryl]

Prednisolone is not an antibiotic. It is a heavy duty steroid. You are not cured, you are symptomatically improved on steroids. Which suggests there was inflammation.of the airways as occurs in both asthma and chronic bronchitis. It may need to be tapered coming off it.

You would still benefit from consult with a specialist re lo ger term management/prevention of recurrence. Should also consider whether there are any potential allergans in the home. Dust and especially mold are frequent culprits. A thorough clesning including under and behind furniture and inside wardrobes, as well as the bathrooms (which often have mold here) would be good idea. Bleach diluted in water is excellent for killing mold.

Do not be home while such cleaning occurs as may temporarily kick up particles into the air.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[4MyEgo]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Prednisolone is not an antibiotic. It is a heavy duty steroid. You are not cured, you are symptomatically improved on steroids. Which suggests there was inflammation.of the airways as occurs in both asthma and chronic bronchitis. It may need to be tapered coming off it.

You would still benefit from consult with a specialist re lo ger term management/prevention of recurrence. Should also consider whether there are any potential allergans in the home. Dust and especially mold are frequent culprits. A thorough clesning including under and behind furniture and inside wardrobes, as well as the bathrooms (which often have mold here) would be good idea. Bleach diluted in water is excellent for killing mold.

Do not be home while such cleaning occurs as may temporarily kick up particles into the air.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Hey Sheryl thanks for bringing me up to speed with the prescription, as I thought they were antibiotics as one does, as she said it was bacterial and not from a viral infection.

 

The Mrs gets the boys to mop the house down everyday as we have polished concrete floors, however will take your advice on moving furniture and getting any mould killed/removed/bleached, including the bathrooms and make sure everyone has an M3 N95 mask while I take a drive to the local waterhole as they won't need me to supervise the job ?

 

Will also see the specialist again on the 16th re longer term management/prevention if recurrence occurs.

 

Always useful advise from you, thanks !

[Sheryl]

Yes, do. Prime culprits are: under/behind the bed, inside wardrobes, and bathrooms. The Thai habit of letting bathrooms stay wet all the time lets mold flourish. Besides the floors, the wall tiles may benefit from being sprayed with bleach diluted in water.

 

Another easy measure you could try is pillow and mattress covers that protect from dust mites, like these:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/haoran-2pack-premium-cotton-allergy-pillow-cases-with-dust-mite-and-bed-bug-resistant-hypoallergenic-pillow-covers-with-zipper-bag-packing-antibacterial-pillow-protector-encasement-for-better-sleep-intl-i223952500-s342342793.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.2.54d05078JLhG33&search=1

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/sleep-safe-zipcover-luxguard-bed-bug-dust-mite-and-allergen-proof-mattress-encasement-allergy-protector-zippered-cover-crib-6-inches-intl-i231103176-s353919679.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.14.51722e4eaaneLe&search=1

 

(the above are just to give you the idea, I didn't comparison shop). These go over the pillow and mattress but under the pillow cover/sheet.

 

 

[evadgib]

Having had a very similar experience to the OP & being the same age and smoking history I'm going to risk ridicule by posting this but it actually works.

1. If your bed points feet-towards-aircon you'll need to move it so that your head/airway isn't in the direct line of the dry air being blown into the room all night. Aircon units should be serviced regularly & filters disinfected every 5-6 weeks...

2. A room fan compliments the air con. Sleeping with the control unit under your pillow enables you to keep the room cool (on/off as necessary) while the fan circulates the cool air without drying your airway.

3. On days when you are chesty or throaty place a (halved and pierced) onion (Red, but white will do) in a small tray with just enough (3-5mm) water to keep it moist on the headboard while you sleep. 

 

The onion does the rest & you're as right as rain in the morning ?

[4MyEgo]

1 hour ago, evadgib said:

Having had a very similar experience to the OP & being the same age and smoking history I'm going to risk ridicule by posting this but it actually works.

1. If your bed points feet-towards-aircon you'll need to move it so that your head/airway isn't in the direct line of the dry air being blown into the room all night. Aircon units should be serviced regularly & filters disinfected every 5-6 weeks...

2. A room fan compliments the air con. Sleeping with the control unit under your pillow enables you to keep the room cool (on/off as necessary) while the fan circulates the cool air without drying your airway.

3. On days when you are chesty or throaty place a (halved and pierced) onion (Red, but white will do) in a small tray with just enough (3-5mm) water to keep it moist on the headboard while you sleep. 

 

The onion does the rest & you're as right as rain in the morning ?

Thanks for the heads up, but our bedroom is big enough to be away from the air conditioner, that is, its 48m2 in size, 6 metres x 8 metres and the bed is say 5 metres away from the air conditioner, i.e. the A/C is 5 metres away from the bed to the left of us and the fan blades are facing the wall immediately to its left which is 500mm to its left starting and runs 8 metres long, so we do not have any air coming directly onto us, we cannot stand air conditioners, but at 26 degree on low at night, its just nice, although we also leave an adjoining door about 4 metres away from the direction the air is flowing open so the cool air goes into another area, therefore not making our room super on low, just nice. I also rinse the filters on all air conditioners at the end of every month and have an additional M3 filter on ours, just in case someone is burning their field in the burn season.

 

I like the idea of the fan, will try that at the other end of the room and switch on and off the air conditioner as needed, as you say. We prefer the fans, but sometimes its just hot air.

 

The onion, haha, will also give it a go, sounds like one of those old wife's tales, and probably works. 

[simon43]

Prior to getting sick, I used to go on the treadmill for 45 minutes at least 5 days a week.

 

Without trying to sound sarcastic or rude, I see people at my gym who 'go on the treadmill for 45 minutes', with minimal benefit to their heart or health because they don't even break out into a sweat, such is their low walking pace...

 

Since you have previous heart issues, you should certainly have an exercise stress test to check that all is OK for you to be a little more strenuous in the gym - you heart will thank you for it.  You don't have to run on the treadmill,simply increase the incline so that you're walking uphill.

 

I do about 30 minutes of treadmill work every day.  After 30 minutes of cardio exercise, the sweat is pouring off me!  But within a couple of minutes of completing my run, I feel in great shape and health ?

 

But please get your heart checked out first, just to be sure.

 

[4MyEgo]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Yes, do. Prime culprits are: under/behind the bed, inside wardrobes, and bathrooms. The Thai habit of letting bathrooms stay wet all the time lets mold flourish. Besides the floors, the wall tiles may benefit from being sprayed with bleach diluted in water.

 

Another easy measure you could try is pillow and mattress covers that protect from dust mites, like these:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/haoran-2pack-premium-cotton-allergy-pillow-cases-with-dust-mite-and-bed-bug-resistant-hypoallergenic-pillow-covers-with-zipper-bag-packing-antibacterial-pillow-protector-encasement-for-better-sleep-intl-i223952500-s342342793.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.2.54d05078JLhG33&search=1

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/sleep-safe-zipcover-luxguard-bed-bug-dust-mite-and-allergen-proof-mattress-encasement-allergy-protector-zippered-cover-crib-6-inches-intl-i231103176-s353919679.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.14.51722e4eaaneLe&search=1

 

(the above are just to give you the idea, I didn't comparison shop). These go over the pillow and mattress but under the pillow cover/sheet.

 

 

Not in this house, unless they have just been bleached, doors closed during and after of course. Only one of the two bathrooms, (ours) has wall tiles, so we will give them a bleach, the other two are rendered and sealed to give that more modern look, although the floor tiles do get a good bleaching, and I always leave the bathrooms windows open all day, although close the doors in case someone is burning or cooking using charcoal as I hate the smell. Add to that if no one is burning, I have all the doors and windows open to get fresh air into the house, then close it up at around 11am when it gets too hot, as its cooler when everything is closed.

 

Will get the Mrs to look into the links as that is a great suggestion and reasonably priced thanks.

Edited July 3, 2018 by 4MyEgo

[4MyEgo]

6 minutes ago, simon43 said:

 

 

 

Without trying to sound sarcastic or rude, I see people at my gym who 'go on the treadmill for 45 minutes', with minimal benefit to their heart or health because they don't even break out into a sweat, such is their low walking pace...

 

Since you have previous heart issues, you should certainly have an exercise stress test to check that all is OK for you to be a little more strenuous in the gym - you heart will thank you for it.  You don't have to run on the treadmill,simply increase the incline so that you're walking uphill.

 

I do about 30 minutes of treadmill work every day.  After 30 minutes of cardio exercise, the sweat is pouring off me!  But within a couple of minutes of completing my run, I feel in great shape and health ?

 

But please get your heart checked out first, just to be sure.

 

Thanks for your advice, I am seeing my Cardiologist again in October as I usually do every 18 months to 2 years. I only ever had one stress test and he was happy with the results, and will ask him if he thinks I should have another.

 

Trust me when I say when I do 45 minutes on the treadmill it's not walking, I mix it up with running and walking every two minutes, and on at least 3-4 sometimes 5-6 on the incline, just depends on how my calvs are doing, my average speed is about 6 walking and 8 running, sweat, my wife says I don't need to shower because I look like I just got out of the shower, I try and keep my heart rate somewhere at 120 and reach the 150's but don't push it because I don't want to blow a fuse, I also have some hydro-lights in my water after and drink plenty of fluids during the cardio workout, and yes feel heaps better afterwards, especially when I throw cold water over me in the shower from a bucket which has a saucepan in it, and cannot throw enough water over me as I am burning up.

 

 

[4MyEgo]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Yes, do. Prime culprits are: under/behind the bed, inside wardrobes, and bathrooms. The Thai habit of letting bathrooms stay wet all the time lets mold flourish. Besides the floors, the wall tiles may benefit from being sprayed with bleach diluted in water.

 

Another easy measure you could try is pillow and mattress covers that protect from dust mites, like these:

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/haoran-2pack-premium-cotton-allergy-pillow-cases-with-dust-mite-and-bed-bug-resistant-hypoallergenic-pillow-covers-with-zipper-bag-packing-antibacterial-pillow-protector-encasement-for-better-sleep-intl-i223952500-s342342793.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.2.54d05078JLhG33&search=1

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/sleep-safe-zipcover-luxguard-bed-bug-dust-mite-and-allergen-proof-mattress-encasement-allergy-protector-zippered-cover-crib-6-inches-intl-i231103176-s353919679.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.14.51722e4eaaneLe&search=1

 

(the above are just to give you the idea, I didn't comparison shop). These go over the pillow and mattress but under the pillow cover/sheet.

 

 

Just a further note, as I discussed the mould with my Mrs this afternoon as taken from your earlier post thanks, she pointed to the ceiling above my desk in the study/gym where I spend most of my day, there is an old watermark due to a roof leak last rain season, of which I got up and cleaned it I think earlier this year waiting for the roof leak to be fixed, the stain is very light now, although was dark, and I did get ill around September, could be from the mould on the ceiling, anyway, paranoid as I am, I shifted myself out of the study/gym this afternoon, which is a standard 4 x 4 metre room with double sliding window, into our bedroom, and you wouldn't believe the difference in the air, sitting in here, our bedroom, if I go back into the old study/gym the air is stale, oddly enough, and the room only has a fan, as this room has the air conditioner and is more comfortable with it now on, spoilt I know.

 

I will go out and buy some anti mould ceiling paint and get our builder over as he has some odd jobs to do like move our internet cable over to where I am now and I know he (hates) painting, so that should go down well...lol 

 

When I revisit the specialist on the 16th, I will also advise her of the above, you never know, from what I have read the stuff I am on, is also for acute Asthma, so might push for an Asthma test as opposed to a COPD test, got to keep probing to find out what it is, Asthma or Chronic Bronchitis, 6 2 1 half dozen the other, and am thinking as the (hypochondriac) that I am, I have never copped this before, who knows, could also be the humidity, but we will persevere until we find out.

 

Don't know why I never moved out here more earlier, plenty of room for my new study, and now my gym is slightly bigger, no doubt the Mrs will try to cram some stuff in there, as two spare rooms are not enough, although she will have a hard time trying, believe you me, a mans cave is a man's cave ?

[4MyEgo]

On 7/3/2018 at 3:03 PM, Sheryl said:

Prednisolone is not an antibiotic. It is a heavy duty steroid. You are not cured, you are symptomatically improved on steroids. Which suggests there was inflammation.of the airways as occurs in both asthma and chronic bronchitis. It may need to be tapered coming off it.

You would still benefit from consult with a specialist re lo ger term management/prevention of recurrence. Should also consider whether there are any potential allergans in the home. Dust and especially mold are frequent culprits. A thorough clesning including under and behind furniture and inside wardrobes, as well as the bathrooms (which often have mold here) would be good idea. Bleach diluted in water is excellent for killing mold.

Do not be home while such cleaning occurs as may temporarily kick up particles into the air.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Hi Sheryl

 

I just finished the last of my tablets, and for what it's worth, Prednisolone was one, me stating it was an antibiotic, but corrected by you as a heavy duty steroid, the other tablets that I should have said, and just finished were Levofloxacin 500mg which I just looked up, are the antibiotics, as I did recall the specialist saying she was putting me on antibiotics and some steroid treatment and inhaler that I still take, so just to clear that up, it's a mix of antibiotics and steroids.

 

So now that I am off just about everything, except the Antihistamine tablets which finish tomorrow night (yeh), a dissolvable tablet once in the morning NAC LONG and Brenal cough mixture, I can say I am much better a week later, but feel weak and sometimes feel as if I am not getting enough air in at times, although at other times I am ok.

 

The coughing has stopped as has the phlegm, although sometimes, not often, I do bring up some, white, today a very small green one one, so when I see the specialist on the 16th again, I will definitely be asking her to refer me for a COPD test, although the steroid inhaler feels as if it opens up my airways, I think, its as you say, reduces the inflammation, and it's only temporary as I ramped it up from 2 to 3 puffs yesterday and will probably do the same until it's finished, she did say I can go up to 4 times a day, but not more as the heart will start palpitating, that said, I just took a hit 10 minutes ago and am feeling very little effect.

 

I have also spoke to my Cardiologists staff back in Sydney, who conveyed a message to him for me, i.e. should I have an exercise stress test (echo) when I am there in October, as the last one was carried out in 2013, with the staff sending me back his referral, so he must think its an ok idea, although I didn't mention anything about what I might have, so I booked that in a couple of days before I am due to see him, just covering all basis, because if there are any narrowing of the arteries, I think this could also affect my breathing, although not 100% sure if this would show up on the ultrasound before and after the exercise test ?

 

So this hypochondriac will keep this post going with updates, as I am sure there are some here which might benefit from whatever the outcome is, but I think Chronic Bronchitis or mild COPD as you have mentioned Sheryl, because if Asthma the inhaler would open up the airways. 

Edited July 7, 2018 by 4MyEgo

[4MyEgo]

On 6/26/2018 at 11:39 PM, Sheryl said:

 

 

 

They are different conditions and correct differentiation is important to management.

 

Chronic bronchitis and asthma are both obstructive lung diseases but chronic bronchitis will not open up with bronchodilators the way asthma will.

Update:

 

Back to being 100% and saw the chest specialist today after a month.

 

Did a lung test via a laptop hook up and was advised all good, given the 3 page print out and discussed my visits to the specialist.

 

She is of the opinion that I had a respiratory infection and it was left for much longer to get treated, my airways also became inflamed as well due to an allergy, and she is of the opinion that I have mild asthma around 15% and should continue using Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5 as necessary when needed, I came off of it gradually 6 days ago so as to do the lung test today.

 

So it's all good news, that said when I am in Sydney in October I will ask my GP to provide me with a script to do an allergy test and a blood test to see if we can find what allergies I might have so as to try and avoid those things along with all of the other day to day nasties.

 

What have I learnt from this experience, get an annual flu shot and when feeling unwell in Thailand's tropical weather go to AEK straight away for some meds to assists as opposed to suffer for a long period of time. 

[xylophone]

1 hour ago, 4MyEgo said:

Update:

 

Back to being 100% and saw the chest specialist today after a month.

 

Did a lung test via a laptop hook up and was advised all good, given the 3 page print out and discussed my visits to the specialist.

 

She is of the opinion that I had a respiratory infection and it was left for much longer to get treated, my airways also became inflamed as well due to an allergy, and she is of the opinion that I have mild asthma around 15% and should continue using Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5 as necessary when needed, I came off of it gradually 6 days ago so as to do the lung test today.

 

So it's all good news, that said when I am in Sydney in October I will ask my GP to provide me with a script to do an allergy test and a blood test to see if we can find what allergies I might have so as to try and avoid those things along with all of the other day to day nasties.

 

What have I learnt from this experience, get an annual flu shot and when feeling unwell in Thailand's tropical weather go to AEK straight away for some meds to assists as opposed to suffer for a long period of time. 

Well done and good luck to you in the future. Good to hear you are feeling better.