Hi, I had what started as tickly throat, slight congestion, mild cough and now I have a deep chest cough and it feels warm in my chest everytime I cough. I realize I should visit the dr. but if this is bronchitis or pnemonia I would like to know is there anyway to avoid antibiotics? I have taken several courses of it the past year for other ailments and would like to avoid it.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, possibility of either bronchitis or pneumonia is more in your case. Both these conditions are caused by infection. So antibiotics are needed in both of them. But pneumonia needs higher or combination of antibiotics. While bronchitis needs inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) along with antibiotic. So better to consult doctor and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, chest x-ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). Chest x-ray is needed to rule out pneumonia. PFT is needed to rule out bronchitis. So better to first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. No harm in taking antibiotic if indicated. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.