Difficulty breathing, what to do?

I think i have a chest infection. I have a lot of phlegm in my chest and was coughing it up all last week. Now It is really difficult to cough up and I have a very dry cough. I have shortness of breath and find it difficult to breathe. Last night I nearly called an ambulance because I could hardly breathe. its not as bad today but still cant stop coughing, shortness of breathe, the phlegm is usually white when I cough it up but also green and yellow.
I cant see a doctor until next week because I cant afford the time off work.
Is this bronchitis? anything i can do before my appointment to ease it??

many things can cause the problem, it could be pneumounia, bacterial infections, etc

sometimes your body may heal it by itself without any medicine, sometimes, the disease can get worse

if you go to a hospital, doctor will take an x-ray on your lungs to see what kind of problem you may have

it is impossible to diagnose just via the internet

You need to see a doctor and get antibiotics before you miss a lot more time and make people at work sick.

The only thing you can do at the moment is ask somebody at a drug store. Or get to the hospital to get some free health maintenance! (if it's available where you live).

you need to see a doctor because the longer u leave it the ill er ur become and end up having more time of work

Take a really hot shower, breathe a lot, the steam will help you out, but yeah, you really should see a doctor.

Anytime you have trouble breathing you should seek immediate care, I know you don't want to hear this but you should seek the neareast ER and go there. In the mean toime, use some lemon tea with honey in it. It may relieve some symptoms. maybe call your neareast pharmacy to see what they reccomend as well. Good Luck and hope you feel better soon.

walk alot and drink lots of water

I have the problem. It was monitered by a chest specialist. He advised salbair inhaler. U have to monitor it.

go see the doc

You could have fluid on the lungs which will cause difficulty breathing. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If it is fluid, breathing treatments would be needed plus they would need to see what caused it, such as an infection.

zithromax is a good antibiotic... its very strong though. ask a doctor.

you have asthma/ allergy...

doctor is best!!!

but in the meantime (keep it short) take some menthol-candies to ease this feeling. i know "fishermen's friend" (in central europe) which are great. hope you have something similar. good luck and get well...

You urgently need to see a doctor, the color you mentioned is a huge sign of infection. This may be bronchitis or it could be more serious, you need antibiotics Now.

Dont blow this off.

You can call your doc and say hey Im not breathing well, I need to be seen right now. You can go to an ER.

Failing this try Mucinex, it loosens flem. Can turn an unproductive cough into a productive one. If you have someone who can perform percussion on you this will also help. Percussion is when you lay on your stomach and another person lightly pounds your back with cupped hands.
This loosens flem and makes it easier to get rid of.

Frankly, If I were you, Id be at an ER.

You need antibiotics stat.

You need to see a doctor immediately. Check in your area for any walk in clinics that may be open during hours you are available to go. If not, then go to the emergency dept. of the hospital. Difficulty breathing is not something to mess with. If you find it harder to breathe at night it is because when you are laying down the phlegm is building up in your airways. The best way to help this is to sleep sitting up or as close to it as possible. Lazeeboy chairs are great for this or just lots of pillows.

If you suspect you are suffering a viral infection, you should not go to work but instead you should go to the emergency room.
Its not advisable nor sensitive from your part to come in contact with other people, virus spreads easily., but the first reason its that you should take care of yourself in the first place.
Good Luck!