Acute asthmatic bronchitis and extreme cough

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am 48, obese smoker. I have had acute asthmatic bronnchitis for a week. Breathing is easier but cough is now causing sever pain in lower left abdomen. When ever I start moving around I get extreme coughing fits with difficulty breathing. I have already finished all antibiotics and cough medicines do not seem to help. I'm supposed to return to work but don't see how because of coughing. Should I return to the doctor (I have gone three times already in 7days)? What can I do about the severe stomach pain when I cough?

Dear Tina: Your stomach pain may be due to bouts of cough of asthmatic bronchitis. You may try steam inhalation to soothe your airways as well as loosen the mucus for easy removal. Keep hydrated as it may help thin the secretions and avoid inhaled irritants such as smoke, dust, or other pollutants. With the improvement in your cough, the stomach pain may also reduce. You may want to get examined for any post nasal drip, that may be causing the bouts of cough.