Hi I have been following the posts here for about 6 months and learned lots of how to cope with the constant symptoms. My doctor diagnosed chronic bronchitis after my second year of bronchitis and pleurisy last March - although I have never smoked he considered it began about 14 years ago with reflux although I had constant crackling at night - it disappeared and re-emerged about 7 years ago with sore throat a constant dry cough and crackling at night. However, the symptoms are there coughing nasty chesty sounds and crackling and strange noises at night - I don't visit the doctor unless I need antibiotics usually I just sit it out until it recedes. Last April I was put on a waiting list to see a specialist and get a more precise diagnosis - the waiting list is 10 months long. I am in my mid 60s active - work from home and walk the dogs over fields each day - visit my daughter abroad etc etc. As I understand the situation why do I need a specialist diagnosis when there is no treatment - just antibiotics and medication when I have problems - can someone please clarify this for me?
Many thanks