Question about bronchitis?

Question

I had a cold that started coming on a few days before Christmas. It was at its worst on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The cold itself lasted about a week, then went away. I was left with a very small cough, which lasted a couple weeks. Starting just this past week or so, my cough has gotten a lot worse. I'm constantly coughing up mucus, and sometimes my lungs hurt when I cough. The worst part though, is that it wakes me up at least once or twice every night, and is sometimes so bad I have to get up and get a drink of water to try to stop it. I started taking a nighttime cough suppresant, which I know I shouldn't do, but it's the only way I can get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. Just today I’m starting to feel the effects of not getting enough sleep; my energy is starting to wane. Other than the cough though, I feel just fine.
I've been reading a lot on the web about Bronchitis, but almost everywhere it says that it would be accompanied by a fever. As far as I know, I don't have a fever; just the bad cough. I don't smoke and I don't have asthma, and I've never had any sort of breathing condition such as asthma. Could this be Bronchitis? I’m almost positive it’s not pneumonia; my symptoms seems to match Bronchitis. If it IS Bronchitis, how long should I wait before going to the doctor? Due to a massive layoff at my husband’s work, my husband doesn’t have health insurance. I started my job less than a year ago, and won’t be eligible for benefits until the middle of April. If at all possible, I’d rather not go to the doctor. X-rays and prescriptions and all that are expensive. Of course, I know my health is more important. J
Anyway, thanks for reading all this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

It sounds like bronchitis and it needs to be treated. Go to the Dr. and tell them you have no insurance and that you just need to be treated and ask for samples or for a cheap antibiotic. I ask for what I want these days, it's ok to do that and it's ok to say: I can't afford it. They know that and most are willing to work with you. They are people too and they know how expensive things are. That's what you need to do. Call, go and be honest and tell them what you need. You'll feel better. There are still some very cheap antibiotics out there. Try a clinic if you have one. They usually have a fixed fee...call ahead and ask what it is and tell them whay you are coming . Good luck.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

It does sound like Bronchitis. You don't have to have any breathing problems such as Asthma in order to get Bronchitis. Asthma patients are just more susceptible. I usually get Bronchitis a couple times per year, but have never or rarely had a fever. I could always tell by the mucus and the chest pain. You need to go to your doctor asap!! They may not have to do xrays. Some doctors can tell just by listening to your lungs.And you can be seen even without insurance. Most doctors offices, clinics and hospitals will work out a payment plan wiht you.

Answer 4

I once suffered from Chronic Bronchitis. I would suffer sometimes 3 to 4 times per year! Usually when there was a major change in the pressure outside (I live in the north, and the temperature spikes and dips do wonders to chronic sufferers of bronchitis!). Each time I would get horrible hacking coughs, hoarking up green phlegm..it was so frustrating!

The key to getting rid of your bronchitis is to find a way to completely eliminate the germs that are causing all the phlegm and irritation leading to your hoarking cough and heavy breathing. Keep reading to learn how to do kill these germs!!

This page it will change your life and make you feel 100% better within just 24 hours!

Answer 5

There should be a walk-in health center near you. Go there. Usually the cost isn't too bad. And if you let the doctor know that you don't have health insurance, when they prescribe a medication, they will try to give you samples and cheaper medicine. Don't mess with bronchitis. Don't mess with anything that has to do with your breathing. You really need to go to the doctor. Especially if the symptoms you are experiencing are keeping you from sleeping. And the long term effects of taking cough syrup every night are no good either. You could have one of those times when you are driving and don't realize that you are falling asleep. Please, bite the bullet and go to the doctor. Without your health, you have nothing. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I didn't have a fever and the doctors I saw concluded I had bronchitis, put my on antibiotics, and I felt SO much better. My husband had pneumonia, and when he had it he could hardly get out of bed, so I think you would know if it was that. Heres a test: When you walk about a block, assuming you could normally do this with complete ease, do you feel as if your lungs are about to collapse on you? Then you probably have bronchitis lol. I am in pretty good shape since I walk everywhere, and I am telling you, walking across the room was a big deal when I was sick haha.

Answer 7

It is with you since some time. Why cant you try any conventional medicines of herbal nature. But i don't know where you are exactly in our globe! But I suggest you couple of common materials that is available any where, try that possibly it will cure the nature of your weakness to the maximum extent and will be a permanent solution.

Herbals:
1. Cinnamon Bark powder
2. Turmeric Powder
3. Pure Bee Honey

You have to prepare a solution of the following fresh daily before you take it: You have to take it half an hour before your main meals.

half tea spoon of cinnamon powder with quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder and a spoon full of honey mix together and will a paste sort of substance. Keep the entire solution under your tongue. Slowly it will melt in your saliva enter in your digestive system. With in a month or so you will get the relief. Don't use any alopathic medicines during the period under trial.

Also use the following whenever you are thirsty:
Boil of pure water. Once it gets boiled drop three tea spoons of cumin seeds. Let the cumin's seeds boil in the water and the water will be reduced for three fourth. Leave it to cool in the room temperature. Don't cool it in the fridge. Use as much as you want, it will clear off all your contamination in intestine and urine.

Take lot of papaya fruit..

You have to say NO to alcohol and tobacco.

For immediate relief there is a cough syrup named " RESYL".. use it as per physician's direction...Surely you will get the relief...

Answer 8

Bronchitis can be viral or bacterial depending on which you have could determine if you will have a fever or not. Bronchitis usually takes about 3 weeks to recover from. Drink plenty of fluids and stay in bed. If you get a fever watch it carefully. Are you sure you don't have an allergy. One time I thought I had Bronchitis and never had a fever and it turned out to be an allergy to a pet.

Answer 9

Go to the doctor now!!! If you let it go too long you can get much sicker and then end up in the hospital. There are many community health organizations that offer free health care if you can not afford any. Any hospital ER has to see a patient even if they have no insurance. That is a federal law. If need be they should work out a payment plan.

Answer 10

Did the cough suppressant you took contain an expectorant? If not , you might try one that does (it helps get rid of the mucus). If that doesn't help then you should see a doctor, even if you have to borrow the money from someone. You have waited long enough already.

I am only offering a suggestion from my own experience, not trying to give advice.

Hope you're better soon.