Need help- do you think I should go to the doctor?

NewFamily09

I've been sick about a week and a half now and it hasn't gotten the slightest bit better.  I don't get sick often at all, but this time I haven't been able to kick it.  I actually feel pretty good, except I have this horrible horrible cough.  It gets so bad sometimes that I have to catch my breath.  Sometimes I go maybe 20-30 minutes without coughing but then other times it's pretty constant and uncontrollable.  It's a dry cough though, and I don't have a fever or any other symptoms.  The thing is, our insurance runs out on the 31st and DH got us a new temporary insurance until he starts his new job.  The new insurance is terrible, will only really help if there's a catastrophic illness or something.  So if I have to go to the doctor, I should probably go before the new year.  He said he looked up bronchitis, but there are other symptoms that go with bronchitis.  I don't want to go to the doctor if there's nothing they can do, because it'll be hard to get an appointment around all our upcoming activities (DS's bday is tomorrow).  Should I keep hanging in there or see a doctor?  Also, I've tried cough syrup and it doesn't seem to help much at all. 

BeachMama7693

this is going around, especially in NC, thats where im from. my mom and mil have it and have been coughing relentlessly for a couple weeks, and i am starting to get it. my lo was coughing the other night so i called the nurse line at our pedi office and she said SHE had it too haha and that it lasts for weeks and there is nothing you can do about it but ride it out. delsym cough syrup works well for me, but it didnt help my mom at all. you can try raw honey, its supposed to help. i hope you feel better soon!

lynsef

I had same symptoms for like 3 weeks.  Everyone tried to convince me to go to the doctor, but I was sure it was viral and didn't want to waste the time and copay only to be told there wasn't nothing to do besides OTC cough/cold management.  I hope you feel better soon.

chardonnay24

When I get coughs that last that long, I will see a doctor to get the prescription cough syrup with codeine. Sometimes you get to the point where you're just coughing from irritation from coughing so long. Before they give me a prescription though, they do an exam to rule out anything more serious.

LatteLady5

This seems like a silly question to me. Why wouldn't you go to the doctor now before your insurance is crappy? Prescription cough syrup with codeine is different than the over the counter stuff and who knows, your doctor may think you need antibiotics. I would absolutely go now. The worst that can happen is you get sent away with a strong cough syrup and have to pay the copay. IMO it's better than going when you have bad insurance and end up paying a lot more.

Shelleybell

go to the doc and get some relief just to be sure.