One week ago, my boyfriendw ho I am trying to convince needs to see a doctor has been dealing with we thought at first was a cold or even a sinus infection. Initially, his symptoms were head pressure, phlegm with non productive to then a productive cough, headache. Over the counter medicines began with thera flu packets, mucinex pills, robetussin dm with expectorant, menthol eucalyptus cough drops, cloroseptic couph drops, and ibuprofen. Currently, for the last few days he has only a cough. But, the cough hasnt changed. He describes his current cough as dry, gagging/choking, shortness of breath at times, not much but some phlegm does come up but isn't promising that its improving, head hurts while coughing but stops when not coughing, though too when coughing his sides hurt and chest is as well. The cough is also waking him up through out the night. His appetite is normal.
-my opinion while witnessing this is the gagging, choke like cough. He is a light smoker maybe at most 5 cigarettes per day. Clearly he is very stubborn and I've tried every angle possible trying to convince him to see doctor especially now since this nasty cough has not changed at all! At this point I am very worried hoping this has progressed to something else. So, this is why I'm seeking your opinion hoping I can gain something that may encourage him finally going to the doctor.