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When is a cold just a cold?
I am still pretty new to this forum and to MAC and medications for the illness and so I'm not sure about how to handle a cold and how worried to get about it. I have a head cold for a couple of days and have been doing what I'd normally do with a cold - rest, drink lots of fluids, monitoring for fever and any mucous that looks like I've got an infection, etc.
It seems to be better today but wondered if getting a cold, any cold, is something to see the doctor about? Or is a cold still just a cold when you have MAC and are on the medications?
I know that no one can give definitive advice but wonder if others have had this experience and how you handled it?
Thanks,
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Hi @kathyhg that's a great question.
I wanted to tag fellow Connect members @windwalker @boomerexpert @america and @jkiemen as they may have an opinion on this.
Back to you @kathyhg, how are you currently feeling? What are your current symptoms?
Hi! I sometimes get drainage which feels like a head cold. But the only time I’ll see my doctor is if I’m coughing more than the normal cough. It’s my experience to feel very tired if I’m getting a cold and just want to stay in bed. But we all have different experiences with colds. But if you feel like calling up your doctor and asking some questions may be a good idea. I hope you feel better soon.
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1 ReactionSymptoms - stuffed up and/or runny nose, sneezing, tired. No temperature. Feels like it’s only in my head (not chest) - no unusual coughing.
Thanks,
Also, I thought I’d go to see my doctor if I was worse today but, besides fatigue, it feels like it is clearing up.
@kathyhg For me, when it goes into my chest, it's no longer a harmless cold.
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1 ReactionThanks. That’s been my thinking too. Prior to starting the medication, any cold would end up as pneumonia so I’m being really careful. I guess one could still get pneumonia when they’re on the meds?
I jaust recently had a bad cold, while on the big 3 meds, and came through without pneumonia or bronchitis. In addition to rest & extra liquids, I increased both regular and saline nebs for several days to keep my lungs clear.
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1 ReactionThanks to everyone for their helpful information and encouragement. It’s very reassuring to know that I can tap into the wisdom and experience of others as I navigate this illness. I am very grateful.
@kathyhg, Hi Kathy. Glad to hear itat be clearing up. It is allergy season too, could it be that? I have found that the prescription 'Singulair' is quite good for allergens. Way better than Zyrtec, etc. It was a life-changer for me. For us with bronchiectasis and/or mac; colds can get worrisome if they move into our chests. Many drs will give you a script of levaquin, cipro, doxycycline and the like, to keep on hand so that if you feel an infection mounting in your lungs; you can stave it off. Doing nebulized saline also helps to keep lungs clear and also puts salt mist into your lungs to kill bacteria and help you to cough up mucous. I will also increase my vitamin C when I feel something coming on. Be sure your Vitamin D levels are good too.
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2 Reactions@windwalker after a horrendous bout my first spring in Fl... my dr. Has me on the same regimen except to take Singulair in the morning and Claritin or Zyrtec at night( alternate these two monthly for some reason ...I forgot)🤪Flonase and Musinex if it goes in chest to keep lung mucus thinned. The live oak tree pollen was horrendous this year.
After 5 weeks..., 4 antibiotics , I am on the mend and grateful no pneumonia !