Bronchitis

[Tess]

How do you know if you have bronchitis or a regular cold? I know a dr. would listen to your chest and diagnose you, but what would send you to the dr. and make you think it was more that a run-of-the-mill cold?

For me, I follow the rule of 7-10 days with symptoms that are not resolving. I waited 7 days and went to the doctor. Sometimes I disagree with that rule of thumb because you just know when it is more than a cold based upon how your chest feels.

Thanks to our nurse friends on the boards--I really do appreciate the input and we all know that most nurses who have put in their time are very skilled in the profession and are reliable diagnosticians.

I should have noted in my original post that my doc offered an inhaler. I declined because I have an albuterol inhaler, or three, at home because I have an asthmatic daughter. While I opted to skip the inhaler, I may be rethinking my position if things don't improve soon. I also thought it might be viral rather than bacterial hence the reason I followed the 7-10 day rule.

 

[Gigi22]

This is in response to Anniemae--the way I tell that I have bronchitis and not a cold is to check the color of the phlegm I cough up (nasty, but it works). If it is clear/milky white, then I have a cold. If it is yellow/greenish, then I run to the dr. because it is most likely bronchitis. That, and of course, the persistent bone-rattling cough.
You should always see a dr. if you suspect you have bronchitis. For one thing, it can develop into pneumonia.

 

[pianogirl73]

I have bronchitis also. I get it once a year and for the first few times I thought I was silly going to the doctor and they ended up giving me a breathing treatment. Now I know that after a cold seems better and I start coughing and having to clear my throat very often that I have to get t the doctor. Off I go tomorrow.