I Recently Went To A Doctor For What I Thought

Posted on Sat, 5 Oct 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Oct 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I recently went to a doctor for what I thought was the flu. I tested negative and he told me to rest and drink water and I should be fine in a few days. I’m getting worse. My breathing is normal, but my cough is getting worse and producing a lot more than it was before. I’m also very light headed. There are sometimes random pains in my ribs and my chest tightens slightly after coughing. I don’t know if it’s that serious or if I should go back to the doctor.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to get further evaluated, bronchitis or pneumonia is possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think you should go back to doctor to listen to your lungs. A flu or cold ( viral infection) can last 3 to 5 days and symptoms may get gradually better . The fact that you are getting worse and producing more mucus and have chest tightness and pain means that the infection is getting worse and you may have developed bronchitis or pneumonia.
So you need to get evaluated as soon as possible and get right treatment.
Mucolytics such mucinex and antibiotics may be needed.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T