I am a 54 year old female. I have at least one or two episodes of bronchitis every winter. Each year the cough is more violent (broncospasms) where I cannot catch my breath to inhale. The antibiotic that has helped over the years is Zithromiacin. Sometimes I need two courses of it. I had bronchitis 3 weeks ago, was treated with Zithromiacin and it seemed to have cleared up. Five days ago my cough returned, a little more severe each day. I went to my G.P. 2 days ago and he put me on another round of the Zithromiacin. This latest episode of bronchitis has an added component, shortness of breath. I have experienced this at other times when I've had bronchitis, but yesterday and today I am only able to take very shallow inhalations and expirations. My cough is usually triggered and it hurts my chest to breath. My muscles in my chest and back became so tense last night that I decided to soak in a warm bath. To my surprise, this increased my shortness of breath to a level that I felt some panic. My breathing was as if I were drowning and I was gasping for air. Once I was able to get myself to my feet, I turned a small portable fan on with the air blowing on my face. I concentrated on slowing my 'panic' down and took slow breaths, trying to inhale some cooler fresh air. It helped. Today is Sunday so I didn't call my doctor last night or today...I plan to call him tomorrow. Does anyone know about this and what it might be, and what I should do the next time it happens?