Hellobee Boards

i had a lingering cough for a month that was so bad that i sprained a muscle around my ribs--i didn't feel sick but the congestion was bad enough that i went to the doc for antibiotics.

@Foodnerd81: Bahahah sorry no coffee yet....
Me, only if I have a fever for a few days or lingering cough

I haven't been to the doctor for myself for a cold for like years, not since before lo was born for sure, and I'm not even sure when before that...But if I was still in pain after taking otc stuff (and there are nursing friendly cold meds--I think kellymom has a list) for as long as you have been, I'd go

Over 95% of sinus infections are caused by cold viruses so I usually wait for prolonged fevers or worsening misery +1 wk rather than slow improvement. Out of about 20 respiratory things I had this winter (from LO starting daycare, ugh) including losing my voice at least 4x, only one turned into a nasty bacterial sinus infection needing antibiotics. That was a bad 2 wks!

I go to the doc 10-14 days after the onset of a really bad cold, if it is showing no signs of improving. This means, for me, it has more than likely turned into a sinus infection, and even some oral steroids will help get rid of it faster (if I don't want antibiotics, but I usually do take them).

Most (good) doctors will not prescribe an antibiotic the first 7-10 days of a cold. But if you aren't sleeping due to cough, they can get you some good cough syrup!

ETA: About a month ago, I got a sore throat and within 2 days, I couldn't swallow and was in agony. THAT I went to the doc for right away! Lol. It was just a bad case of pharyngitis. A steroid shot and some pain meds nipped it in the bud. But I don't really count that as a "cold".

I only go if I have a fever, or if the cold feels worse than normal (like a really really bad chest cough) - this has only happened twice, both times I had pneumonia.

Otherwise I never go for a cold. I've never had a sinus infection, strep, or anything like that before though, so I don't know what those symptoms feel like.

If after a week it is getting worse instead of better, I go in.

@Foodnerd81: They gave me a Z-Pack for mine. I discussed it with the midwives and I took it right after I fed baby before bed. and then I was good to go when she woke up in the middle of the night. The super safe ones did nothing for me.

I have an absolutely horrible cold right now. I was thinking - who gets a cold in June - but apparently there's nasty stuff going around. I just googled this exact thing this morning, and the internet told me that symptoms should start subsiding within a week (though they may not completely disappear until two weeks), if not it may be bacterial and you should check in with your doctor.

@Foodnerd81: My husband and I just got over the absolute worst cold. Coughing, congestion, sinus pressure, body aches, the whole 9 yards. I started antibiotics on Day 11, and we were both finally feeling totally better by Day 17. I hope you feel better soon!

When I have puss on my tonsils and I suspect strep throat.