Could I Have Pneumonia?

Hi A.,

If it continues for too much longer, you really should go see the dr. My husband had pneumonia several months ago. Everytime he tried to take a deep breath he would have a pain in his upper back (it was his lungs hurting they said). Anyway, he just had to take an antibiotic shot in the rear and was feeling much better within 24 hours. Remember, left untreated pneumonia can get terribly bad and cause fluid to build up in your lungs. So, if after a few more days you're not better, maybe you can go to one of the Care Now places instead of an emergency room. The copay shouldn't be as high. Best Wishes.

Sounds like you have bronkitis or pneumonia. You can spread this to the kids if you have a bacterial typr of it and I think that should be a big concern for you. I get pneumonia sometimes after bad bronkitis and once you have it once you will forever have lung trouble so make sure you get treated for the bronkitis BEFORE you get pneumonia unless you are already too late. Most likely you will be asked to take antibiotics, inhaler/nebulizer, and steriods all before they require a chest X-ray. Ask for abuterol instead of zopenex because it's cheaper. All and all you best go to the Doctor.

I had this same thing a few weeks ago. Honestly, the cough lasted for a month. I probably should have gone to the Dr., but I didn't either because I didn't think there was anything they could do for me (I am pregnant). It's gone now, so I guess whatever it was took care of itself, but if I had it to do over again, I would probably go to the Dr. I just kept thinking it was getting a little better, and then it would get worse again. I know how you feel about the money thing and all I can say is that it's probably better to have it checked out. If it is pneumonia or something like that, you will be down a lot longer if it gets really bad (maybe even a hospital stay). Good luck! I hope they can give you something that will make you feel better quick.

It's not a cold because those typically are gone in about 10 days. It sounds more like bronchitis than pneumonia, however, you don't mention a fever. If you don't have a fever, then docs may not consider that it is either one. Also, when I've had either of the two, I've typically been extremely fatigued and you don't mention that.
It sounds like you're taking a store brand Mucinex (which is an expectorant) and cough suppressant. However, if you're taking a cough suppressant, you're actually negating the effect of the expectorant. You should limit the use of a cough suppressant to night-time. You also don't mention whether the cough is keeping you up at nite (for me that's the clear sign that I need to see a doctor ASAP). That all said, I have had both bronchitis and pneumonia many times and if you have either of those, you will need antibiotics to clear it, so you need to get to a doctor. And yes, it's a royal pain to drag the kids along - but with the ages of your kids, it would seem you just need to take the younger two. Or maybe you can ask a neighbor to watch them for a bit.

A.,

Have you tried putting a twoel over your head above a steaming faucet running? Try that. My son has had pneumonia twice - it's not fun! They have him use a nebulizer - which we sometimes even do when he is showing signs before getting that bad. Also - what about a humidifier running with the vicks inserts?

Good luck!

1 Tbsp of honey works wonders for coughs.

It's worth going to the doctor if you're having trouble catching your breath while sitting down - that is a fool proof sign of pneumonia.

I recently coughed to the point that my hips hurt and my lungs were bruised and it was "Just a cold".

S.