[52M] Severe cough and moderate shortness of breath

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Chronic Bronchitis: This is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by a long-term cough with mucus. It's often caused by smoking or exposure to irritants like dust or fumes.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to help open the airways and clear mucus, as well as lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and avoiding irritants.

• Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. It can cause a cough with phlegm, chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics, rest, and drinking plenty of fluids.

• 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 involves identifying triggers and taking steps to avoid them, and medications to control symptoms.

Please remember that this is not a comprehensive list and other conditions could also cause your symptoms.

What you can do

You should definitely seek medical attention given the duration and severity of your symptoms. In the meantime, here are some steps you can take:

1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids.
2. Avoid irritants: If possible, avoid exposure to anything that worsens your cough, such as smoke or dust.
3. Over-the-counter remedies: You might find some relief from over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• High fever
• Confusion or changes in mental function

Please remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition and provide a formal diagnosis.