The post viral chest infection I've had started over six months ago, it was terrifying not being able to get air in it out of my lungs. I do hope your infection clears quickly. When you get that inability to breathe do please ring 111. As soon as you say you can't breathe you'll be put on the list waiting for an ambulance, which then hopefully means you'll get to see a specialist at the hospital rather than a numbskull GP who sounds like they're suffering from a hid complex. I was lucky DH could drive me to A and E quicker than waiting for an ambulance, but you really should be checked out by someone who knows their onions (and lungs). I've had a barrage treatments, and finally am getting better. You should be given blood tests, sputum tests etc to identify exactly what's wrong with you and therefore which sort of antibiotic is needed, not just a standard cheapo. Very sorry you've got this, get well soon and happy unbirthday!