We’ve all been sick and experienced a cough. You may not think twice about a cough or stuffy nose, especially during cold and flu season. However, did you know that mild infections can progress over time and turn into a more severe infection without treatment? Bronchitis is a condition that originates from mild infections such as colds. Bronchitis often can go undetected for the first few days of symptoms, but it is a serious infection that can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about how bronchitis spreads and the treatment options for bronchitis.
If you’re feeling sick, seeking medical care early is the best way to ensure a swift recovery. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our walk-in urgent care clinic offers patients near Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood with rapid same-day illness care. Simply walk into the clinic!
What Causes Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a lung infection that causes swelling in bronchial tubes in the lungs. Bronchitis can happen as a result of a mild illness causing irritation to the lungs. Most commonly, viral infections such as colds can lead to bronchitis. These infections make their way to the lungs and can cause a secondary infection such as bronchitis. It is important to understand this when considering how bronchitis spreads, any mild illness that impacts the respiratory system can ultimately lead to bronchitis.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition that can cause severe symptoms. If you’re feeling sick, it is important to monitor your symptoms. Even mild viruses can lead to a lung infection like bronchitis. If your symptoms are worsening over time instead of getting better, you should seek medical care.
Common symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Severe cough
- Cough that produces green or yellow mucus
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
Bronchitis Diagnosis & Treatment near Boston, MA
If you’re experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms of bronchitis, it is important to seek urgent medical care. Bronchitis symptoms can last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, however, catching it early and treating it in its early stages can help make the recovery process quicker. Treatment options for bronchitis vary depending on what has caused it. If a virus causes you to develop bronchitis, you cannot take medications such as antibiotics because they are not effective against viruses. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an inhaler to help open up your lungs and suggest at-home care tips to manage your symptoms.
Walk Into AFC Back Bay for Same-Day Bronchitis Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re suffering from a severe cough that won’t go away or is worsening over time, you may have bronchitis. Bronchitis can cause a variety of severe symptoms. However, treating the underlying condition early can help reduce your risk of developing bronchitis. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our walk-in clinic offers same-day symptom diagnosis and treatment for patients in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm, making our clinic a convenient option for busy students or working professionals. Walk into the clinic today for same-day care!
