Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] hi I have had a severe chest infection for 3 weeks and have developed wet cough that simply won t stop. I have asthma and have had 3 courses of ABs and am on a reducing dose of cortisone. But the cough just keeps going catching my breath. But I also feel air entry is enough just feel bubbly feeling in lower left side. I don t now if I should wait till Friday to go back to drs or go earlier?
[|AI|]  Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion you should consult pulmonologist and get done1. Chest x ray2. PUT (pulmonary function test)Chest x-ray is needed to rule out pneumonia. And PFT is needed to know the severity of the asthma. Treatment of asthma is based on severity only. The treatment of choice in asthma is inhaled bronchodilators. Oral steroids have specific indication, so should not be given routinely. So better to consult pulmonologist and discuss all these, and start inhaled bronchodilators. If chest x-ray shows pneumonia than get done sputum culture and sensitivity to guide antibiotic therapy. Irrational and haphazard use of antibiotics will delay the improvement. So first diagnose yourself and then start treatment accordingly.