How I Thought It Was Ordinary Cough Until It Started Smelling Bad

It all started in early October this year in Port Harcourt. I had a mild cough; I thought it was just a normal cold because of the rain.

But after one week, I noticed something strange. Anytime I coughed, especially in the morning, I would perceive a very bad smell from my own mouth. At first, I thought it was because I did not brush well. I brushed twice and used mouthwash, but the smell when coughing continued.

I became ashamed to even talk close to people. I was always covering my mouth.

The worst part was that the phlegm was thick and yellow. Sometimes I would feel chest pain, and I was always tired. My friend told me to try Agbo leaf. I tried Asystasia leaf; I boiled it and drank it, but the smell did not go away.

That was when I became scared. Someone mentioned TB to me. I had heard about TB before, but I never thought it could come near me. I could not sleep that night.

The next morning I went to General Hospital. I was very scared to do the test. The doctor was kind; he asked me questions and told me to bring sputum for testing. He told me the TB test is free and I should not be afraid.

While waiting for the result, I prayed. I also realized how important health is. We take a small cough for granted until it becomes something else.

Thank God my result came out, and the doctor said it was a severe sinus infection and bronchitis, not TB, but I had to take antibiotics and drink a lot of water. He told me to stop smoking near dusty areas and to keep my mouth clean.

After two weeks of treatment, the bad smell when coughing stopped.

What I learned from this experience is that if your cough smells bad and lasts for two weeks, don’t stay at home doing self-medication. Go to the hospital. TB, sinus infection, and lung infection are real. An early test can save your life and save your family from infection.

This is my story. I am sharing it so someone going through the same thing will get checked early.

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