Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Cold, Cough, Fever, Stuffy And Runny Nose, Chest Pain, Bronchitis Or Phenomia
I have been fighting a cold for the past week. Now I have a bad cough and fever . I have a stuffy nose and runny nose. My fever is 101.3. I coughed a little greenish phlem but not too much. I feel very tired and have no energy. I have had bronchities before. My right chest hurts kinds in the upper neck area. When I take a deep breath in it hurts and sometimes I can t catch my breath. Do you think I might have bronchities or phenomia. A suggestion would be helpful. I do have good medical insurance but also don t want to be somewhat of a baby if it s just a cold and plus long lines at doctors offices. Any information would be very helpful. Thank You, Tasha Bourne
Fri, 23 Aug 2013
Hi,
From your description this could be either bronchitis or pneumonia. Both can cause these symptoms. An X-ray would help differentiate bronchitis from pneumonia. You do appear to have suffered for quite a few days and do not seem to be improving. On this basis I would suggest you may need antibiotics. Therefore, a visit to your doctor would be appropriate. This is more than a cold. Your doctor may wish to culture some of your sputum which will identify whether this is a bacterial or a viral infection.
In the meantime, paracetamol will help reduce your fever. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and rest if possible.
I hope you make a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
From your description this could be either bronchitis or pneumonia. Both can cause these symptoms. An X-ray would help differentiate bronchitis from pneumonia. You do appear to have suffered for quite a few days and do not seem to be improving. On this basis I would suggest you may need antibiotics. Therefore, a visit to your doctor would be appropriate. This is more than a cold. Your doctor may wish to culture some of your sputum which will identify whether this is a bacterial or a viral infection.
In the meantime, paracetamol will help reduce your fever. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and rest if possible.
I hope you make a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Bronchitis
Loading Online Doctors....