brightstar
11-12-2003, 08:49 PM
I've had a cough for about a week and a half now with no other symptoms (no cold-like symptoms). It started out dry but lately I have had some phlegm and the irritation at first was in my throat, but now I feel it in my chest. Could this be bronchitis? Is bronchitis caused by bacteria (and therefore could be treated with antibiotics) or is it a viral thing I have to wait out?
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butterflytrans
11-12-2003, 11:27 PM
I've had a cough for about a week and a half now with no other symptoms (no cold-like symptoms). It started out dry but lately I have had some phlegm and the irritation at first was in my throat, but now I feel it in my chest. Could this be bronchitis? Is bronchitis caused by bacteria (and therefore could be treated with antibiotics) or is it a viral thing I have to wait out?
It can be caused by both, and it can also be caused by something else. Depends on how old you are, if you smoke, how long you've been smoking, etc. etc. If you're young, which I am guessing you are, and have only had this for a week, it can be a viral infection, a bacterial infection (especially if you are bringing up green/yellowy phlegm) or even a manifestation of "cough variant" asthma. Do you have a history of asthma? Are you bringing up green/yellowy phlegm?
Secondly, if you have been a smoker for a long time, and you have 2 or more consecutive months of productive cough for two or more consecutive years, you may have a manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease called chronic bronchitis (the other manifestation is emphysema).
It can be caused by both, and it can also be caused by something else. Depends on how old you are, if you smoke, how long you've been smoking, etc. etc. If you're young, which I am guessing you are, and have only had this for a week, it can be a viral infection, a bacterial infection (especially if you are bringing up green/yellowy phlegm) or even a manifestation of "cough variant" asthma. Do you have a history of asthma? Are you bringing up green/yellowy phlegm?
Secondly, if you have been a smoker for a long time, and you have 2 or more consecutive months of productive cough for two or more consecutive years, you may have a manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease called chronic bronchitis (the other manifestation is emphysema).
brightstar
11-13-2003, 11:10 PM
Hmmm....no asthma and I have never smoked, I don't live with a smoker or frequent bars/other places with smokers. I'm just concerned because I don't have a cold or sinus infection and I've had a cough for almost two weeks now. My boyfriend is threatening to make me go to a doctor, but I don't think a doctor could do anything. Oh, the phlegm is yellowish, does this mean anything?
projapoti
11-14-2003, 12:10 AM
Hmmm....no asthma and I have never smoked, I don't live with a smoker or frequent bars/other places with smokers. I'm just concerned because I don't have a cold or sinus infection and I've had a cough for almost two weeks now. My boyfriend is threatening to make me go to a doctor, but I don't think a doctor could do anything. Oh, the phlegm is yellowish, does this mean anything?
It could mean that you have a bacterial infection....have you had any other symptoms? Feeling feverish? chills or sweats?
In terms of other things that it could be....the three most common causes of a chronic cough are:
cough variant asthma
post nasal drip
acid reflux disease
The problem is, seeing as the above seems so simple, a lot of family doctors just prescribe antibiotics so the patient feels like something is being done :nono: . If you have no infectious symptomatology, I would suggest that you try something like sudafed (i.e. a decongestant) and see if that helps the cough. If not, considering you don't have a history of asthma, you might also want to try some antacids. Now, a lot of people don't get the classic symptoms of acid reflux like heartburn and stomach pain and what not....for some people, the only manifestation is a nagging cough that is often worse at night. If you don't think it's an infection (seeing as you're the only one that can decide whether you feel ill) then I would try the decongestant, and then try an over the counter antacid like zantac.
It could mean that you have a bacterial infection....have you had any other symptoms? Feeling feverish? chills or sweats?
In terms of other things that it could be....the three most common causes of a chronic cough are:
cough variant asthma
post nasal drip
acid reflux disease
The problem is, seeing as the above seems so simple, a lot of family doctors just prescribe antibiotics so the patient feels like something is being done :nono: . If you have no infectious symptomatology, I would suggest that you try something like sudafed (i.e. a decongestant) and see if that helps the cough. If not, considering you don't have a history of asthma, you might also want to try some antacids. Now, a lot of people don't get the classic symptoms of acid reflux like heartburn and stomach pain and what not....for some people, the only manifestation is a nagging cough that is often worse at night. If you don't think it's an infection (seeing as you're the only one that can decide whether you feel ill) then I would try the decongestant, and then try an over the counter antacid like zantac.
brightstar
11-17-2003, 08:43 PM
Mystery solved! I woke up on Saturday with definite cold symptoms. The weird thing is, these past 2 weeks I've had only the cough. Maybe now at least this whole thing will be over soon...until I get sick again.
projapoti
11-17-2003, 10:49 PM
Glad to hear that you have figured out what's wrong!
I hope you feel better soon! :)
I hope you feel better soon! :)