i was told i have bronchial infection, was given and finished z-pack, and am using inhaler. i feel better, but have noticed a little wheezing, and sometimes cough.  i dont want to take a steroid, which doctor said hed give me if i got worse.  i am not worse.  am i o.k. just with the inhaler?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. In my opinion, you are mostly having post infectious bronchitis. It is common after lung infection. It is actually due to inflammatory process in trachea after infection. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (pulmonary function test). PFT will not only confirm the diagnosis, but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. You will need newer longer acting inhaled bronchodilator like formoterol or albuterol. Also start inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (budesonide or albuterol). No need to worry about ICS. They act locally without any systemic side effects. They are best in action to reduce inflammation in trachea. Don't worry, you will be alright. Consult pulmonologist and start newer inhaled treatment. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.