GREENSBORO -- Longtime Triad-area Congressman Howard Coble will address his health, not his political future, at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. It was originally reported that he would announce whether he planned to retire from his post.

The 80-year-old Coble was released from Moses Cone Hospital Tuesday afternoon where he underwent physical therapy following an upper respiratory illness. Coble had been hospitalized in the nation's capital.

The 14-term representative from the 6th District was first admitted to George Washington University Hospital Dec. 13. The illness was said to have depleted his sodium levels.

A longtime fixture on the political scene, Coble was first elected to Congress in 1985. Staff members confirm he will discuss his hospitalization when he goes before cameras at his office Wednesday.

The news conference is set for 1 p.m. Stay with News 14 Carolina and News14.com for the latest developments as they become available.