bronchitis.. how soon till a difference?

[twizliz]

I was diagnosed with Bronchitis on Wednesday and the dr put me on a strong antibiotic as well as an inhalor. She did mention that it could be pneomonia.. but she didn't think it was. I haven't noticed a difference, and in fact it seems to have gotten worse... I have these coughing spasms that leave me weak and dizzy and wheezing. Should I call my dr back up?

[Marie55]

If the doctor thought you might have pneumonia, request a chest x-ray, that will tell you for sure. Guessing is not wise. He/she should have heard rails while listening to your chest if you have pneumonia. However, we never know how good our doctor or nurse's ears are or when they last had a hearing test.

The virus/bacteria that is laying everyone low these days with upper respiratory infections is very rough and you most likely will get worse before you get better. It took 2 rounds of antibiotics to finally get my infection under control. Was very ill for 3 1/2 weeks.

You should start noticing a difference in small ways by now but not necessarily and then you may get worse before getting better. I was given Z-Pak antibiotic

Mucinex (over counter) was prescribed for me to take. Mucinex helps to keep mucous thinned making it less likely to adhere to the air-way passages. It is expensive but worth every penny.

[twizliz]

I too was given the Z-Pak.. the illness has very unfortunate timing as I started a new job only a few weeks ago and have already missed three days. I cannot afford to miss anymore.. and today is actually the worst that I've felt... coughing wise.. but I suppose it may be good because the mucus is breaking up...

[Marie55]

Get your doctor to prescribe "hycodan" cough syrup. This is a synthetic codiene cough syrup and will control the cough. It works very well for me.

I really feel for you getting sick at this time. Hang in there, it will get better. You may have to work feeling lousy, but then again, your new employer may not want you to expose them to the respiratory bug.

Be sure to get plenty of rest, very important.

If Z-Pak does not completely clear the bronchitis, ask doctor for a second round. I had to take 2 rounds. No need to half-way clear and then have a relapse. I waited 3 days before starting the second round and the relapse was worse than the first part of the illness.

[twizliz]

Wow.. this bronchitis is really kicking my butt right now. I thought by day four of the zpak I'd feel a lot better.. but I woke up with a fever this morning and my chest feels really tight. I'm wondering if I should go see my dr tomorrow night as she works in the ER on Sunday nights and I have good insurance to cover it...