Bronchitis

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis occurs when your airways become inflamed due to an infection or underlying health problem. Most cases of bronchitis are acute and respond to resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medication. Still, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek professional medical help.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Common symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Cough
• Excess production of mucus
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

If your bronchitis is a result of a viral or bacterial infection, you might also develop a fever or experience chills.

When should I visit a doctor about bronchitis?

Make an appointment with the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care if you experience a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, interferes with your ability to sleep, or produces discolored mucus. You should also seek treatment if your cough is associated with wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Who is at risk of bronchitis?

Anyone can develop bronchitis, but several factors can increase your risk, including:

• Smoking 
• Having a chronic condition that compromises your immune system
• Gastric reflux
• Exposure to toxic fumes or gases 

If you experience more than one bout of bronchitis, it may indicate a more serious underlying health problem like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

To diagnose bronchitis, the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care asks about your symptoms and conducts a physical exam. During the physical, they listen to you breathe in and out with a stethoscope. They might also order additional tests, including:

Chest X-rays

If you smoke (or have smoked in the past) your provider might recommend a chest X-ray. An X-ray can determine if you have fluid in your lungs (pneumonia).

Sputum tests

Sputum refers to mucus that you cough up. The team at Cali Quick Urgent Care can collect a sample and analyze it in a laboratory to determine if you’ll benefit from antibiotics. 

Pulmonary function test

A pulmonary function test measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you exhale. This type of test can rule out other health problems like asthma or emphysema. 

How is bronchitis treated?

Most instances of bronchitis resolve on their own with rest and conservative, at-home treatments. If the Cali Quick Urgent Care team determines your bronchitis is the result of a bacterial infection, they might prescribe antibiotics. You might also benefit from prescription cough suppressants or a quick-relief inhaler.

If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, request a bronchitis consultation at Cali Quick Urgent Care by clicking the online booking tool or calling the office.