What Causes Chest Discomfort With Cough?

Hi, may I answer your health queries right now ? Please type your query here...My wife(65) has been experiencing severe chest and throat(cough) for 5 weeks now. She never missed a days work in 40 yrs so not a whinger! After suffering for two weeks she eventually went to the doc. A high dose antibiotic was prescribed. Made no difference. Appointmade again but a different doctor. Antibiotics again prescibed bud half the dose of the original. I cant understand this and my wife is in bed suffering badly. Should I take her to hospital or what?