[23M] Experiencing respiratory symptoms with moderate lung congestion

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions are possible:

• Bronchitis: This condition is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Symptoms include coughing up mucus and shortness of breath. It's usually caused by a viral infection, so antibiotics aren't effective.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication like an inhaler to open your airways.

• Asthma: This is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

  • Treatment typically involves identifying triggers and avoiding them, and using medications like inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists to control symptoms.

• Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, rest, and fluids.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids to help your body recover.
2. Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter cough suppressants can help manage your symptoms. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
3. Avoid triggers: If you notice certain things make your symptoms worse, try to avoid them.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve after a week.
• You have difficulty breathing or experience chest pain.
• You cough up blood or yellow or green mucus.
• You have other symptoms, such as a persistent fever, severe headache, neck or facial swelling, or a rash.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.