QuestionMy symptoms began two days ago with a fever, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. Theyve since progressed to include headache, persistant cough, and rattling in my chest. The rattling only happens when im laying on my left side. My breathing is comfortable, and unlabored except for a few minutes following a particularly violent coughing fit at which time i do get some chest pain. The cough has also started to produce white phlegm. ive taken advil twice for the aches, and am drinking cold water to relieve the coughing and throat soreness. My questions are 1- how can i be sure tge rattlibg is coming from my chest, and not lungs? 2- why does the rattle only happen when i lay on my left side? 3- am i more likely suffering from flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia? Thank you for your time.
AnswerHi there John, thank you for posting your question with Allexperts. My name is Dr Andrew Rynne. I am a medical doctor working in Ireland. I have ten years experience helping people Online sort out their medical concerns.
You probably have bronchitis. This is either viral or bacterial in which case you will need an antibiotic. Pneumonia too is a possibility. You need a doctor to at the very least listen to your chest. If you are not perking up a lot by tomorrow then go have yourself looked after.
Dr Andrew Rynne.
http://www.doctorrynne.com
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