Started w/ cold symptoms w/ very dry cough. in last 2 days, deteriorated to deep/painful cough + nasal/ear congestion. antibiotics? bronchitis? flu?

Viral URI: This sounds like a viral upper respiratory infection, which is common at this time of year. Decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine) and Ibuprofen are common home remedies. Antibiotics not usually helpful (and may be harmful) . A tincture of time is usually therapeutic. See your doctor if cough becomes productive or bloody, if fever returns above 101, if ear congestion turns to pain.