I am a 31 year old female. I am over all very healthy. For the past week, I have had a very bad cough, but no other symptom. No runny nose, sore throat...nothing. The cough is a very deep and dry cough. I have also been feeling heaviness in my chest. Yesterday, I noticed that my body began aching. Today, my body has been aching all day. I went to urgent care, they didnt do an xray, and diognosed me with bronchitis. They gave me an anitibiotic, but im concerned because, I just dont feel like myself, and I think its something more. I should also mention that I am a smoker, and I smoke about 4-6 cigarettes a day!
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Since you are a active smoker, possibility of bronchitis is more for your symptoms. And you are not improving because you are not taking appropriate treatment for bronchitis. Bronchitis needs inhaled treatment. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (pulmonary function test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis, but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You will improve with inhaled bronchodilator (formoterol or albuterol) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Don't worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.