Resolved question:
I am 64 years old. I have COPD and I am out of state on vacation. I realized last night that my constant coughing is bronchitis and it isn't going away. I have had it for 5 days. At first I thought it might be an allergy because it is high in my throat - from the clavicles up - and there is postnasal drip. I have never had allergies though. I left the cabin for a couple of days, and it didn't go away.
Almost every year I get this and the Pulmanologist gets me to take a Z-pack. He wants me to use antibiotic because the bronchitis doesn’t go away unless I do. The last Z-pack was probably a year and a half or more ago.
I take Symbicort every day.
I have constant copious phlegm from the back of my throat. It is kaki color. I don’t usually have this.
What should I do?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Pulmonologist
Dear patient,
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.
Your symptoms are suggestive of an exacerbation of COPD. These exacerbations are usually due to bacterial infection, hence a course of antibiotics are warranted.
A course of azithromycin must help. Along with it, do take a cetrizine for reducing the post nasal drip.
I'd urge you to continue your daily dose of symbicort. Being copd, do enquire with your physician/pulmonologist regarding a vaccination for pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. These are the most common cause of exacerbations for copd patients. I'd strongly recommend you to take both before influenza season.
I too concur with your doc that these infections warrant antibiotics for resolution.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, I would be glad to answer any follow-up queries.
Regards, Dr. Jacob George P. MD, FCCP
I need a prescription for the azithromycin. Can you call it in To the local Rite Aid here in Manchester Vermont. (802) 362-2230.
I have already had the vaccination for pneumococcal and influenza. I always take my daily dose of symbicort.
What I need is The prescription so I can get started.
Hello again,
As per our terms, I am not allowed to prescribe. Being an online platform we are restricted by law to to advice, information and suggestions. Please connect with your local GP and discuss my recommendations.
Regards