i was just told today at my doc appt. (which i thought would land me on IV abx) that i likely have inflammation and not an infection. often, however, the two share symptoms or are both present as usually an infection inflames the lungs and often inflammation (if not treated) can lead to infection cause stuff gets "trapped" and has no where to go cause the airways are so small.
currently, they're treating my "asthma symptoms" and inflammation with a course of prednisone so see what comes of that. if prednisone doesn't help, its usually indicative that its not inflammation but infection causing problems. at least for my case anyway.
at any rate, i usually experience shortness of breath, less cough yet more chest tightness (not the grumbling, gunky cough i usually have). i also find it hard to carry on a conversation cause i feel winded. sometimes, i will hear wheezing with inflammation, but the docs said today i sounded "clear" so who knows. i think inflammation presents itself a bit differently to each individual, and unforunately, i think when you have lung disease, you inevitably have some inflammation all the time. just my thoughts though.
all my best...