I know this is not the place for medical advice, and any comments do not replace those from my regular doctor, etc, etc.... In mid-September I went to Italy. I believe I got infected with something on the plane on the way back... probably from the recirculating air, because within a day or two I got that tingly feeling when I swallowed, which soon developed into being sick. I was sick for a good 2-3 weeks (seemed to start as a head cold... almost went away... then started to get goop in the lungs, sounded like rattling a can of BB's when I breathed in deeply).... then the cough came. At first I was coughing up said goop in lungs... but after maybe a week it was all gone. Now I can breathe deeple and it doesn't sound like there's anything wrong. Except the cough is still there. If I breathe deep it feels like someone is tickling my throat with a feather, which makes me instantly cough. It doesn't seem to have improved really over the past couple of weeks, however, I am not big on going to see the doc, so I was looking online and I am guessing it's either the remnants of Bronchitis or the generic "post infection cough" which is supposedly related to bacteria that remain in the inflamed areas of the lungs after your infection clears up. I had this a while ago (maybe 2-3 years) and I recall it was ~2+ months before it totally went away... I am not worried about this, but I am wondering if there's anything I can do to help move it on it's way, or if a doc-trip for antibiotics is the only answer? Like I said, I am not big on docs, so if that's the only choice I guess I'll have to wait it out Just wondering if there's anything else I could try?
Mike, not big on going to see the Dr is a recipe for disaster and serious pain. Get off your butt and go see the Dr! We like having you around and in good health. (well, some of us... )
You need a doc to listen to your lungs, do an exam and quite probably an Xray based on what he hears. Different infection types need different types of meds, and the wrong one could make things way worse. What is it? From what you describe it could be anything from a simple virus to Legionaire's Dz to TB to some mycotic abcess, i.e. many many possibilities. You need to see a good doc now. Good luck.
In all sincerity, you really need to see a doc. I'm the world's most avid do-it-yourself-er, but somethings aren't home projects. It might just be the lingering irritation after a viral illness but there are other problems that can only be Dx'ed in person.
Of course, like everyone else says, see a doc. If that's not going to happen: I've had this EXACT same thing. Illness competely clears up but annoying tickle/cough goes on forever. Codeine will help alleviate the cough so that you can sleep at night. I just suffered during the day and it finally went away over a month later.
Seems to be par for the course. I got sick about a month ago and I still am not back to 100%. I was wondering if it's because I am getting older or the sickness is stronger.
Well, I guess I am going to wait it out I know I should go to the doctor... I just have a "thing" about going to the docs - not sure why. I honestly do worry that whatever I die of eventually I will find out "if you had come sooner we could have caught it!". I know, I know.... you're preaching to the choir (a stubborn choir, but a choir nonetheless). Thank you for the input. I really think it's just the remnants of a viral infection. I used to smoke occasionally (I have probably smoked 200 packs in all my life over the course of 5 years that I smoked on and off). I now only have a cigarette very occasionally, maybe one or two every 2-3 weeks (like if I am hanging out with people I know that smoke and I am in the mood). Anyway, I had a cigarette last weekend and to my amazement, it made my cough disappear for a few hours. I read on one of those medical sites that it's a sign of a remnant viral infection. They say it can take weeks or months to go away. I had this a couple of years ago and I think it took about 2 months to disappear. I know, I know... could be lung cancer... I don't think so... came right after a viral infection, was "phlegmy" and now that's gone, had it before, etc, etc. I know the smart thing is to go to the doc... but... ya know. As for going to the docs... I dunno... I wish I had a doc I really like. I've never had a doctor that was just 'cool'. I have a great dentist and podiatrist and orthopedist I get along with great. The 2 docs I've had in my life... never clicked. Plus, it's a PITA to go - time off work, lots of $$ out of pocket, sitting waiting... tests that are often painful. Checking your weight, blood pressure, telling you that you have to cut salt, fat, exercise more, etc, etc. There's just nothing good about it. My podiatrist has a stable of nice cars - Lambos, SL65 AMG, GT2, etc and we chat about cars with enthusiasm. My dentist races porsches and we talk business, racing, electronics and stuff. The relationship makes me actually enjoy seeing them. Never had a doc like that though. My doc now is a decent enough guy, but there's no click and he doesn't like to "waste time" answering questions, so I go as little as possible. If anyone knows of any cool docs in MA, let me know I will put a note in my will that when I kick it, for someone to come on f-chat and post that I will not be down for breakfast... and then I hope you'll all post "I told you so"
I'm suffering from something similar, and I haven't been out of the country. I'm on my fourth week now of being sick. I haven't coughed up a lot of yuk, but I just have a lingering cough that comes with a shortness of breath. It almost feels like someone is pressing on my chest so I can't take a deep breath. I actually went to the doctor a week or so ago for something completely unrelated and she heard me coughing from out in the hallway when I was in the exam room waiting. She gave me a prescription for some nighttime cough medicine and also some Nasonex nose spray and told me to buy Zantac. She also told me I should probably take antibiotics if it doesn't get better in another week. I feel I've improved so I haven't called for the antibiotics. It is not unusual for me to have a lingering cough after a bad infection. This is the worst I've been sick in several years. And that damned Nasonex cost $85, so it better help, but the info says it takes a week or so sometimes to show effects. My doctor listened to my chest and said she didn't hear wheezing, which I feel like I am wheezing, but maybe it's not really wheezing??? Who knows. And I'm like you about going to the doctor. I even went to a doctor once (really liked this doc too) who told me that he really couldn't do much more for me than my body could do for itself by letting it just take time and get better.
Mike, Why don't you contact your podiatrist/orthopedic surgeon and ask them who they would choose for a primary care physician based on personality, knowledge, etc.. Maybe if you a good one that has the same characteristic traits you would feel more comfortable. Orthopedics and podiatrists typically receive referrals from primary care physicians so they should know them all pretty well. Just a thought. Another option would be to duck into a doc in the box for a chest x-ray at minimum. You do not need to establish a relationship with them just find out what is going on and what can be done to treat it.
That's really good advice. I think it's important to have a doctor you like. Some of the doctors are just so staunch. I know exactly what you are saying about the connection thing Mike, if that isn't there who the hell wants to go see someone you don't like?
