Most chest infections are mild and do not require any prescription medical treatment. However, some chest infections can be serious and require more extensive medical care.
Both pharmacists can write prescriptions, so if after examining you they feel you have a bacterial infection they are able to write you a prescription for the most appropriate treatment.
You can ask a pharmacist about:
decongestants to loosen the mucus in your lungs – this will make it easier to cough up and help clear the infection from your lungs.
Antibiotics aren't recommended for many chest infections, because they only work if the infection is caused by bacteria, rather than a virus. Your GP will usually only prescribe antibiotics if they think you have pneumonia, or you're at risk of complications such as fluid building up around the lungs (pleurisy).
Coughing actually helps you clear the infection more quickly by getting rid of the phlegm from your lungs. Antibiotics aren't recommended for many chest infections. They only work if the infection is caused by bacteria, rather than a virus.
The symptoms of viral and bacterial chest infections are similar but the colour of any mucus coughed up may indicate the cause; white or clear mucus usually indicates a viral infection whereas green or yellow mucus suggests that the infection is bacterial.
The possible complications from a chest infection like pneumonia can include: bacteria in your bloodstream (sepsis) accumulation of fluid within your lungs. development of lung abscesses.
However, if you have other respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia with COVID-19, you may have a wet cough that contains mucus. Does coughing up mucus mean you're getting better? In most cases, coughing up mucus means your body is working to fight off an infection, and it is in the healing stages.
What antibiotics can a pharmacist prescribe? You can get antibiotics from your pharmacist for the following conditions: simple Urinary Tract Infection (Nitrofurantoin) Conjunctivitis (chloramphenicol)
After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you need an antibiotic. Some symptoms, especially runny or stuffy nose and cough, can last for up to 10 to 14 days.
The symptoms of a chest infection are more likely to include coughing and bringing up phlegm. An upper respiratory tract infection may cause a cough, but it can also produce symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and a sore throat. The effects of a chest infection will also tend to last a little longer.
Now news has emerged today the NSW Government is following suit. Pharmacists will be able to prescribe antibiotics, the contraceptive pill and repeat scripts for conditions such as high blood pressure, with patients paying a private fee to the local pharmacist who will prescribe and dispense drugs on the spot.
There'd be some limited things that they can prescribe. So they might be able to give them things like antibiotics for a bladder infection or cream for athletes foot or something like that. But they wouldn't be able to give more serious or long-term medication.
Yes, you will need a prescription to purchase a majority of antibiotics. Even if you do not require a prescription, it is recommended that you speak to a healthcare professional for guidance and advice before using any antibiotics or medication.
Yes, there are antibiotics that you can get over the counter. These can be found at any local drug store or grocery store pharmacy. That said, only certain types of antibiotics, such as topical antibiotics, are available over the counter.
Do I need a prescription for antibiotics? In Australia, antibiotics need to be prescribed by a doctor.
A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. It's rarely a sign of anything serious. Most coughs clear up within 3 weeks and don't require any treatment.
Green mucus is an indication that your body is fighting off a more serious infection. While the green color may be alarming, it's a natural byproduct of the immune system activity necessary to fight off the infection. Consider seeing your doctor if your other symptoms are getting worse.
Bronchitis usually clears up without treatment in around 3 weeks. See a GP if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks. You may need antibiotics if your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
A chest infection is an infection that affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia). There is a build-up of pus and fluid (mucus), and the airways become swollen, making it difficult for you to breathe.
Robinson thinks that if you are well enough to get up and about, you are probably well enough to go into work, while taking precautions to try to avoid spreading it. “You should stay at home if you have an illness that involves a fever, because that usually means it's still in its contagious form,” says Khan.
There are options for antibiotics that you can buy over the counter. These include topical antibiotics such as antibiotics ointment over the counter. These can be found at a pharmacy or a local store. Although, oral antibiotics do require a prescription from a doctor.