I had a pretty crappy case of bronchitis about 2 months ago.

Was "sick" for about a week, then lingering coughing and upper chest pains for another month.

Yes, went to a doctor. We decided to mostly ride it out since he was only going to prescribe antibiotics to prevent any secondary infections.

So I have been "over it" for about a month. No coughing etc. But I still have a bit of a tightness in the upper chest that I do not notice unless I am doing something strenuous - holding my breath, lifting something, bending over/crouching. Kind of like when you have been inhaling lots of cold air, except none of the coldness.

No congestion when breathing, even heavy breathing such as running.

Is this normal after effects of bronchitis?

not that it matters: never a smoker.

Yes, I will be following up with the doctor later this week since it does not seem to be going anywhere. Just figured I would ask those in the know.

Yes, that is fairly common, but with two months of symptoms a Chest X-ray wouldn't hurt. About the same amount of radiation exposure as an airplane flight. It's not only smokers that get bad things in the lungs, but those symptoms sound more like a sequel of bronchitis or other lower respiratory tract infection. Especially if you have a bit of silent reflux exacerbating your reactivity.

thanks for the response.

I have asked for xrays this time given that it is lingering and we are getting into the colder weather.

Maybe a dumb question, but were you prescribed an expectorant along with your antibiotics?

BlueSmoke said:

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Maybe a dumb question, but were you prescribed an expectorant along with your antibiotics?

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I used one, yes. but have not in more than a month.

I was prescribed prednisone and an inhaler for my bronchitis. It worked.