How do i know when a cold is something worse? i have afever and it's hard to breathe. i don't want to waste the doctor's time or my money for just a cold.

Sometimes you don't: I know if it is something worse after i both hear your story and examine you. If i put a stethoscope on your chest and hear rales, you have pneumonia.You can't do that for yourself. I am concerned you say you are short of breath - that is a harder symptom to ignore. I know it is discouraging when you spend money to have a doc tell you there is nothing they can do, but in case there is, i'd see one.

Foolish: Your health is of the utmost. With a fever and difficulty in breathing you should see your doctor asap or get to the er. You need immediate help.

Cold to pneumonia: The cold is virus and needs symptomatic treatment. If it lingers on more than couple of days with fever and difficulty in breathing, as you have and your addiction history, the bacteria infection has set in. This is serious & getting pneumonia. Please see your doctor for cxr and antibiotics. Take care. Spend money on your self. You are worth it. Good luck.