I went to the ER on Thursday and was diagnosed with Bronchitis I am currently on benzonatate every 8hrs and albuterol every 4-6. Last night I began gasping for air again after a coughing episode I also am starting to feel pain in my abdomen area that goes to my hip area. I am not coughin up blood but do have times where it is a dry heave cough but it is mostly phlegm I have also busted some blood vesseld in my eye from the coughing... since the ER is $250 and I don't have a pcp I wanted to know if these were the stages of bronchitits ending or if I do need to go in because there isnow something else going on

Your stomach muscles are hurting because you are tensing that area of your body when you cough. Don't know about the blood vessels in your eye, they could be just red from the medication you are taking. The phlegm is breaking up and this is good. Of course, if you are uncomfortable, go the ER again, if you are in distress, the snow won't stop you.

Benzonatate is used to suppress the urge to cough and give you some relief from the coughing. The blood vessels will heal in your eyes on their own - they broke from the pressure in your head from the coughing. And yes, the abdominal pain is also from contracting those muscles over and over when you cough. The albuterol is to open your airways and help with your respiratory distress. The coughing and wheezing should be relieved by these medications, which will allow you to rest better. The coughing is so exhausting itself, it will be easier to get through the day as well.

Do not, however, expect either medication to cure you faster. This is viral and has to run it's course. You weren't prescribed an antibiotic because it wouldn't work. You have to just hang in there until it resolves on its own. It can resolve in a week or two, or can take many weeks. I've had bronchitis that has literally lasted months... fortunately that is not the norm for most people. To facilitate your recovery, just make sure you get a decent amount of rest - you likely have to go to work, but resist the urge to stay up for the late night shows or go out after work. Go home and relax, go to bed early. Drink plenty of fluilds and, because a lot of people loose their appetite when they are sick, try to choose things that are nutritious and make the most of what you do feel like eating. The old soup suggestion is a good one.

Hang in there - it will get better.