I have had this thing for a week. I have been coughing up a lot of stuff and have had a clogged or runny nose. Do not think it is bronchitis since I got it from a friend's kids, but as the classic saying goes, you never know.

 

As I said in your other post. We can not diagnose ANY ailment. We are not doctors. Please seek medical attention if you believe you are ill.

Good Luck.

 

Sorry, I just thought that if other people had the same thing they could point me in the right direction, since I do not have health insurance and trying to afford a doctor's office right now could be a good trick

 

A head cold with post-nasal drip can continue unabated when not treated with decongestants and develop into what is commonly called a chest cold. This can develop into bronchitis, the inflamation of the bronchii, as a logical extension. From there, bronchitis can develop into pneumonia.

Colds are best managed by treating the symptoms with the traditional over the counter medications to stop the drainage from the posterior oropharynx which in turn inflames the throat causing sore throat, then draining into the lungs at night creating congestion, and so forth.

The usual drill about plenty of rest, liquids, and decongestants holds well for most. The mucus will turn yellow if an infection is present. If this be the case, a faster resolution will be gained by seeking antibiotic treatment for the infection. In any event, the infection will usually resolve itself in the fullness of time. Most colds run their course in 7 days. Antibiotics have no effect on a cold, a viral infection. Secondary infections such as sinus infections are bacterial infections. Persistent symptoms can last much longer dependent upon one's natural recovery from this sort of affliction.

Over the counter medications such as are commonly available from your local pharmacy are helpful in managing a cold.

Hope this helps.

 

I'm thinking its a cold, not bronchitis, but as chfite said, it can definitely turn into bronchitis. Bronchitis isn't contagious. It is a bronchial irriation that can lead to infection/pnemonia. I have bronchitis right now. Am finally in the last stages of it.

Some things to look for as symptoms of bronchitis are: coughing and shortness of breath. As the bronchial tubes get irritated, they tend to swell which makes it hard to get a full breath. Of course, due to the irritation you tend to cough. Usually a dry cough. At times, especially when laying down, it will feel as if someone is putting slight pressure on your chest. If left to its own devices, the symptoms will also include stiff middle back, stiff neck and headaches. All due to the lack of oxygen to the brain and the dry cough. Guafinisin (sp?) is used to help wet-up the cough so it becomes productive and helps to prevent fluid from building on the lungs. Also, as chfite posted, it can lead to severe irritation in the bronchial tubes, then to infection which then leads to pnemonia (fluid/infection in lungs).

I'm thinking that you may have a head cold, but if treating it doesn't help then a doctor's visit may be in order. I just got over having the flu, then a cold, then strep, and now bronchitis LOL. Has not been a good winter for me. Usually I just suffer through an occasional cold and get bronchitis at three or four times a year. Have fought with it since childhood.

Kay

 

Still have it, whatever it is, just coughing up phlegm. Was a week from death several years ago with double pneumonia, so I am mildly concerned.

 

I know this sounds gross, but what color is what you're coughing up? If its clear then you're okay. Just having productive coughs. However, if it is yellow or brown now is the time for you to get to the doctor since that means infection.

Try to spit everytime after coughing if you possibly can. I realize that you might be some places you can't, but the more that you can spit out the better. Can't remember off the top of my head why that is so important to do that even when you're coughing up clear/white phlegm.

Kay

 

It is clear again and I am coughing up less even though I imagine that the Camels (filtered) do not help that much. Thank you all for the help and advice.

 

If you smoke and have had bronchitis before chances are it is bronchitis again. See a doc and get some antibiotics.

 

An upper respiratory flu was going around where I live. It lasted three weeks. Just as I was getting over it, I got it again due to exposure from a sick person with whom I had to travel to a meeting. At the end of that three weeks, I had a meeting in a flower shop with scented candles burning, eucalyptus and various other dried plant smells and dust, and had an allergic reaction that last two weeks. My spring has not been a healthy one either. I went to the doctor to be sure I did not have pneumonia because I had it twice before. I paid $55 to be told I had the flu.

 

It was bronchitis, cleared up after a couple weeks. Thank you much for the replies.