Catherine has been hacking up hairballs for the last two weeks. Not barking like croup, but not coughing up phlegm either. There's definitely crud down in her lungs because she sounds like crumpling newspaper, but she can't get it up. I waited out a week to see if it was viral and then waited a few more days because she had an ENT check-up this morning and I figured I'd just ask him. He said (now remember, his area of expertise stops at the neck, lol) ...

He's had to hospitalize six kids so far this year with antibiotic-resistant ear infections and had to give them potent IV antibiotics to clear them because we [as a society] so frequently over-medicate with antibiobtics. So, his preference would be to wait it out with Catherine as long as she doesn't run a fever over 101 and the cough doesn't seem to be affecting her regular activities.

Her temp runs 99-100, and the cough really only has a huge impact on her sleep. She has no other symptoms. He did agree that it was likely bacterial since it has been two weeks, and she's getting worse, not better. Should I wait or haul her into the ped? Do bacterial respiratory infections clear on their own?

Lesley, I'm sorry Catherine's not feeling well. It sounds like it's probably bacterial to me as well. And since, you say she's getting worse rather than better, I think I would go ahead and see the ped. The ENT is right, we do overuse antibiotics and there are many resistant bacteria out in the general population. But, that's the problem, too. It takes more and more antibiotics to kill these bugs, and infections can get really bad by waiting. If it is a bacterial infection, you want to fix it ASAP, before it becomes fully blown pneumonia and you end up in the hospital. I'd certainly give the Ped a call. In the meantime, keep her as well hydrated as you can. That will help to thin the phlegm and then maybe she can cough it out. Also, keep up her Flovent, and if you have Albuterol or Xopenex, you might give that a try before bedtime (or anytime the cough is bad). But, first and foremost, at least call the ped's office and see if they want to see her.

I hope she's feeling better soon!