I caught a cold (I think), and started getting sick 9 days ago - I left work early last Tuesday (this is Wednesday) and stayed home sick on the next day, for the first time in 6 years. Although I feel much better, I still have a problem with coughing and chest congestion that just doesn't want to leave. Now, I rarely go to the doctor for colds of any type - but this has been going on for much longer than illnesses I usually get. How much longer should I wait to see if this clears up before I call my doctor? This is not financial (I have insurance, and my copay is $20) - I just don't want to go to the doctor and be told she can't do anything anyway, but the chest congestion is triggering my asthma (usually only exercise induced) because of the coughing, I haven't been able to work out - it's been at this level for 3+ days, and doesn't seem to be getting any better.
I've tried medications - they wear off. I've tried hot baths (steam usually clears congestion for me) but it doesn't last. The only things that stop the coughing are liquids, Hall's cough drops, anti-histamines, and (don't laugh) sipping drinks containing alcohol (which works better than Robitussin - and tastes better too - but I can't do it during the day; they frown on alcohol when drunk at work... it is a middle school, after all...) I didn't go to class because my instructor told me to stay home and take care of myself, but I'm getting pretty restless... working out alone (and slowly, so as not to trigger coughing spells) in the basement just isn't cutting it.
Any ideas?
I've tried medications - they wear off. I've tried hot baths (steam usually clears congestion for me) but it doesn't last. The only things that stop the coughing are liquids, Hall's cough drops, anti-histamines, and (don't laugh) sipping drinks containing alcohol (which works better than Robitussin - and tastes better too - but I can't do it during the day; they frown on alcohol when drunk at work... it is a middle school, after all...) I didn't go to class because my instructor told me to stay home and take care of myself, but I'm getting pretty restless... working out alone (and slowly, so as not to trigger coughing spells) in the basement just isn't cutting it.
Any ideas?