[42F] Experiencing severe cough, chest pain, and pronounced shaking

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Acute Bronchitis: This is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes in your lungs. Symptoms include a cough that brings up mucus, chest discomfort, and fatigue. It's usually caused by a viral infection.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers and cough suppressants. Antibiotics are not usually needed unless a bacterial infection is suspected.

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

  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics, rest, fluids, and medication to relieve symptoms.

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough): This is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it's marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop."

  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

Please note, these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention given the severity of your symptoms. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink lots of fluids to help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
2. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Getting enough sleep can help.
3. Use a humidifier: This can help keep your throat and nasal passages moist and relieve the cough.

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 shortness of breath.
• You cough up blood or have a persistent fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.

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.