I have had a bad flu and now I think it s starting to break and move to my chest. My chest is very tight and when I try and cough I get a metal taste. I used to smoke bit have given up properly about 6months ago as I m trying to get fit and healthy. Before the flu if I lay on my back my chest feels very heavy and harder to breathe. I m a 38year old female. Whenever I get sick with a cough I seem to get that metallic taste. What is your opinion
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. By your history and description, possibility of bronchitis is more. Viral upper respiratory tract infection (URI - flu) can complicate as bronchitis. You are also having history of smoking. This also favors possibility of bronchitis more. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT is needed for the diagnosis of bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). So better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.