Hi, I think I have a cold or it might be bronchitis. What does it mean if I am getting yellow and green mucus and coughing it up from my lungs making it hard to breath. I also have congestion, sore throat and swollen tonsils and fluid in my ear that isn t draining, and right ear pops and cracks when I blow my nose. Saw an NP today who prescribes Azithromycin and I know that is for bacteria, not cold or flu. How does Dr. know what I have without getting a culture? Virus or bacteria?