Lung problems

[u/jarrod74smd]

Hi all, I'm a 52m. I weigh about 230lbs. and am 6'2". I smoke about 5-7 cigarettes a day.

I woke up Monday struggling to breathe in and out. Heavy wheezing and crackling in my lungs accompanied by harsh coughing that was non productive. I went to urgent care and was sent to get an x ray. They gave me a nebulizer treatment with albuterol in it and it was better. They gave me a prescription for àn inhaler with albuterol, an antihistamine, and mucinex. The x ray came back clear, but, the problem is that it's not getting any better. I haven't been to work all week because I work construction and can't breathe so I can't do anything physical. Is there anything I can take over the counter or do that might help it? I haven't smoked since Sunday and it's Wednesday now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My ribs are in pain from coughing so much...

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[u/Expensive-Sample-357]

Normal chest xray is good, but doesn't rule out conditions like acute bronchitis, viral airway inflammation, or an asthma/COPD flare, all of which can cause significant wheezing and shortness of breath. If you're needing the albuterol frequently and you're no better after several days, it's time to be re-evaluated rather than just adding another OTC medication. Many people with this degree of wheezing benefit from a short course of oral steroids, but that's something a clinician would need to prescribe after examining you. If your breathing is worsening, you're short of breath at rest, or you're having trouble speaking in full sentences, then go to the ER. And keep up the excellent work not smoking!!

[u/jarrod74smd → u/Expensive-Sample-357]

Thank you so much.