Bronchitis and Shortness of Breath?

I have been sick since friday but it wasn't till Monday night that I developed a cough which is quite dry though if I'm flat on my back it sounds like a lot of mucus. On Monday I started with an antibiotic as well as mucinex and feel better and that my range of breathing has improved.

However, I just went to get my mail now and was extremely out of breath.

How long does it take to lose the shortness of breath and should I get the albuterol inhalant they offered me? At night to sleep they gave me hycodan syrup which gets me to sleep for 3-4 hours but then I wake up. My problem is I'm only getting like 5 hours sleep a day last 3 days.

Should I feel concered that the shortness of breath is slightly worse now than it was in morning? Should I let it resolve naturally or is it better to use an inhaler or some med?

Meditator

I wanted to add that I am on biaxin which is supposed to be effective for walking pneumonia too.

My range of breath definitely decreased from this morning when it had doubled from the day before. It almost seems like it's back to how it was yesterday now. Because the cough is dry I feel like nothing is breaking up. How do you get rid of the mucus with a dry cough. Should I be afraid to fall asleep and that my breathing may stop?

You should visit your doctor pneumonia is know to follow Bronchitis if it isn't handled well. To help with the SOB and mucus drink alot of fluids it will thin it out. Also to help loosen mucus, get some one to pat your back firmly with their hands cupped this should loosen thick mucus allowing you to cough them up gravity also helps during this process. If you having difficulty from sleeping due to the shortness of breath try to sleep on a few pillows at least at a 30- to 45 degree angle. If might have something to do with the medication your taking some times medications end up having an opposite effect, if it is the medication inform your doctor most are happy to prescribe something else

You should call your doctor. It sounds like the bronchitis settled into your lungs, causing walking pneumonia. This is normal when you have bronchitis. The antibiotic probably wasn't strong enough to kill the bug, it became worse. Ask your doc to get a chest xray, that will show if u have it or not.

I get Bronchitis every year so take it from me when I say get an inhaler.It will help alot.Even if they dont offer it ask for one.And it takes a while to get rid of bronchitis so dont worry.

It seems like the main problem you are having is the shortness of breath-especially while sleeping.

Seeing as how I currently have bronchitis, and seem to have it every time I get sick, I have found effective, homemade methods.

1. Drink plenty of fluids of course.
2. Buy a humidifier if you don't have one already. Turn this on during the night when you sleep. It will moisturize the air, and loosen the mucus while you sleep...causing you to breathe easier.
3. Sit at an upright angle to ease your breathing posture.