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Chest Congestion/Acute Bronchitis/Asthma

Hi, I came down with a cold around January 20, 2014. That week I treated my cold (mild symptoms) with Day-quill and NyQuil. However, before the week was over, I started to experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath. I also have asthma, and I’ve had asthmatic bronchitis before, so it started to feel familiar. The following week, I was consistently short of breath. I went to a walk-in clinic after work (January 28). The doctor (who by the way, had terrible bedside manner and barely even examined me) did the following: quickly examined my mouth (noted a little redness in my throat), listened to my lungs with a stethoscope, and then proceeded to order a ton of medication: said I had acute bronchitis, put me on antibiotics (cephalexin – 4 pills a day for 7 days) (note: didn’t do a culture test to determine if indeed I had a bacterial infection), gave me new albuterol inhaler, and cough suppressant medication (which I did not take).

I was half way through antibiotic medication, still short of breath, and I have an asthmatic attack so I go back in less than a week to the clinic. Inhaler not helping me, can’t sleep at night. This time doctor gives me a shot of prednisone, and prescribes me prednisone tablets (4 mg) for 6 days. I didn’t really notice much change. By February 9, I’m feeling slightly better (done with all the medications) but still am having difficulty breathing.

Background: I am 27 year old female, do not smoke (nor ever have), not overweight, exercise 2-3 times a week (but haven’t done it since I’ve been sick for fear of breathing difficulty), eat relatively healthy. I haven’t had a major asthmatic episode in about 5 years (last time I had it was when I had a bad cold 5 years ago).  Currently When I swallow, I feel mucus in my throat. And I don’t cough a lot, but when I do, it’s dry, and I can’t cough up mucus. I feel like its stuck in throat or lung. What could be going on?
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the reply!

Update: I saw my new physician on March 7. Didn't note anything wrong but he ordered a chest x-ray.Also did full blood work and said everything was good. I still have some breathlessness at times, but I have chest x-ray appt next week.
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242587 tn?1355424110
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
What you have experienced is consistent with the diagnosis of a viral bronchitis (quite possibly either Influenza or whooping cough) the symptoms of which have been heightened and prolonged by the asthmatic response of your lungs to the infection.  

It is also possible that you could have not just bronchitis and asthma, but also pneumonia.

I suggest that you arrange for re-examination by your own family physician or the personal physician of a close friend or family member.

You might share this response with whomever you see.

Good luck
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