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She does not have fever.

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If the phlegm is greenish, even a pale green, take her to the ER. Greenish phlegm is an indication of pneumonia. It's possible she has some other respiratory condition which can be helped through treatment you may not have at home.

Does she have a nebulizer? Any diagnosed respiratory conditions?

Otherwise, I still think 2 weeks is long enough to wait; take her to the ER. They can always recommend seeing a PCP.

Coughing takes a lot out of someone, especially if it's strenuous coughing, which can sometimes cause a broken rib.
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How long would it take to get an appointment with her doctor? If she will have to wait many days or even weeks, then the ER is probably warranted, but if she can get in quickly then I see no reason to go to the hospital. Her primary physician knows her best, to ER doc's she is just another face.
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Carolyn, if you can't get your Mom into the doctor's today, if you live in an area that has urgent care places, take her there. Urgent care places are similar to an ER but without all the commotion.
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Thank you all...home remedies were not working. I just got an appointment for this afternoon with her doctor. Thanks again, especially for the point made about her hurting her ribs from coughing since she is very petite.
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A cough with pain in the sides, chest, or back should warrant a visit to primary immediately. A cough with dark yellow or green phlegm or phlegm that won’t come up should warrant a visit to primary immediately. I would stress this to the person setting up the appointment. If the cough remains a couple of weeks after seeing primary and is persistent, request a referral to a Pulmonologist. Get to emergency room or after hours clinic (if they accept her insurance) if you can’t get to primary.

My dad went on with this for months with the primary just saying phenumina for over a year. However, upon visiting the Pulmonologist, my father was diagnosed with severe emphysema with 1/3 lung capacity remaining. Doc says dad is a strong man because his lungs were not getting enough air at all. He is now on 24-7 oxygen, spiriva, albuterol, symbicort and another emergency inhaler.

A few weeks later he was doing much better. The cough and phlegm is gone and only rear their head occasionally now. We are about five months in now and he is still doing ok for 81.

I hope you and mom get blessed.
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carolyn, thank you for the update. That's great you were able to get an appointment for this afternoon. Let us know the out come.
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