bronchitis?

Question

I have been coughing for 2 weeks now. On Tuesday (today is Sat) I went to the doctor and they told me I have bronchitis and gave me a 5 day antibiotic (Zithromax) and an inhaler (albuterol) Now Im done with the antibiotic and am still coughing quite a bit. I still get short of breath from moving around too fast, and my chest feels tight, but I am not in pain. What confuses me though is that sometimes it's like a wheezy kind of cough and sometimes it's a very congested-like cough where I will cough up phlegm (sorry for the gross detail) and sometimes I will go a few hours without coughing at all. What is going on? Should I go back to the doctor? I am not asthmatic, I am not a smoker,I am only 21 and have never really experienced anything like this before. Any advice/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The 5 day antibiotic actually isn't totally effective until 10 days. Don't over use the albuterol. Drinking hot liquids helps relieve the conjestion and break up the mucus. You still need to be taking it easy even if you feel a bit better. It takes time for the bronchi to heal. The spasms from activity are caused by the inflamation and mucus of the bronchitis. Take it easy. If you dont feel much better in a few days go back to the doc.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Bronchitis is a is an infection in the bronchial tubes and is kind of tricky. Sometimes people with this have to go back to the Dr. for additional antibiotics. I know you said you had an inhaler, but also a nasal saline spray is of great help to clear bronchitis also, because it clears up the drainage that goes down your throat and collects in the bronchia.
"Simply Saline" brand is great for this use.
Bronchitis is anfection of the air passages in the lungs and sometimes Sinuitus goes along with it.

Answer 4

It will take a couple of weeks for all the gunk to get out of your lungs and sinuses so be patient. Humidity helps relieve the symptoms if you have one run it at nite in your room.