You wrote:
"Current medical status: returned from holiday in spain and started with very bad cough. took cough bottle for few days but no improvment.
Current medical treatment: doctor prescribed antibiotics erythromycin one four times a day for 5 days. after 4 days I am not better."
A cough can be due to an upper or lower respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections indicate an infection or the nose, para-nasal sinuses, middle ear, pharynx, tonsils or larynx. Lower respiratory infections indicate infection of the trachea, bronchi or the lungs’ parenchyma. Upper respiratory infections are more common and easier to acquire than a lower respiratory infection . You can request an X-ray image of the chest to exclude lung infection (pneumonia).
However, a cough is not always caused by infection. Coughs are also due to an allergy or some kind of irritation (gases, dust etc.). You can consult an ENT-specialist and a pulmonologist about your condition for more information and to follow up.
DISCLAIMER:
"Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer
their time on eHealth Forum.
For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our
medical experts page.
You may also visit our General Q and A , for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician.
Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.