I was hoping to try and find an answer to this problem I have.
In 2006 my roommate and I both got a cold, she got better, but I got worse after a week. I had a high fever, dry cough, a rattle sound when breathing, cold in my throat, etc. These new symptoms lasted almost two weeks. Being a broke college freshman with no insurance, I just used whatever cough/cold medicines I could get my hands on, and I eventually got better.
Except for this persistent cough that has gotten worse over the years. There is an excess of mucus in my throat (it's not a post nasal drip, I know how those feel and this isn't it). I end up swallowing lumps of it throughout the day. Sometimes it gets so thick that it's hard to breath because there is a film of mucus caught in my throat, I have to drink glasses of water to wash it down. At night it becomes hard in my throat and chest, preventing me from talking or getting enough air, there is also chest pain. No matter how hard I cough, I can't get anything to come up. I have constant nasal congestion, it feels as though the passages are more narrow than they should be. But when I blow my nose, nothing comes up. When my nose is cleared (happens no more than once a month), breathing in hurts, it's like inhaling in fire. It burns and aches so much that I end up trying to cover my face with something so warm the air and restrict the strong air flow.
I was finally able to get to the doctor recently and I told her about some breathing problems I have: shortness of breath, chest tightening and pressure especially when I'm exercising, chest pain. I also told her about the cough and mucus. I have allergies, plus I have other symptoms like sensitivity to cold and strong smells, that led her to believe I have asthma. She gave me albuterol about 2-3 weeks ago. It helps with the random shortness of breath and chest tightness during exercise, but it has done nothing for the cough and mucus.
My mom told me ever since I was a baby I've had constant cold and sinus infections. As I got older I would have chronic respiratory infections that would lead bronchitis, pharyngitis, etc.
I'm only 21, I don't smoke, and I stay active (when I am able to breath). These mucus, cough, and chest symptoms have been going on for almost four years now, and have steadily gotten worse. Sometimes the taste of cold and mucus is so bad I get nauseous and can't eat. I'm hoping someone may have a clue as to what my problem may be. Anything will be helpful.
Thanks