Bronchitis is a condition that occurs when the lining of your throat that carries air to your lungs becomes inflamed. It can cause an increase in mucus, and it can be either acute or chronic. Chronic bronchitis is more likely to occur in those who smoke. Acute bronchitis is typically cleared up within ten days.
While acute bronchitis can be caused by a variety of illnesses, it is still contagious. The illness is very common and if you suffer from any of the next symptoms, visit our center today.
AFC Urgent Care Bedford is here to help you feel your best. Our providers can help recommend medications to ease your symptoms while speeding up your recovery. A cough with bronchitis can last for weeks, but you can return to normal life much sooner. Visit our center for care today.
Symptoms & Causes of Bronchitis
The most obvious and common sign of bronchitis is a cough that produces mucus. The mucus can be clear, white, yellow, or green. Additionally, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort are also signs of bronchitis. If you are suffering from severe chest pain, visit an emergency room immediately.
With acute bronchitis, cold symptoms are also common as this may be the cause of the cough. These additional symptoms will clear up within a few days, but the cough will last much longer.
Chronic bronchitis occurs for a few months at a time, within at least two years. You may also suffer from cold symptoms throughout these few months, but the cough will be more persistent.
If your mucus has blood in it, your cough lasts more than three weeks, or you have a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, visit AFC Bedford.
Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by viruses. This can include a cold or the flu. Antibiotics are not helpful in combatting this, as they are only helpful when fighting bacteria.
Chronic bronchitis is caused by smoking, breathing in air pollution consistently, or dust.
Risk Factors & Potential Complications
Cigarette smoke and exposure to irritants increase your risk of developing bronchitis. Additionally, having a poor immune system can increase your chance of getting bronchitis after a bout of influenza.
Bronchitis itself isn’t a cause for concern. However, having bronchitis increases your chance of developing pneumonia or COPD. Both of these conditions can cause severe symptoms or hospitalization.
Treating Bronchitis
Antibiotics normally are not effective when treating bronchitis unless it is caused by bacteria. In this case, our AFC providers may recommend cough medicine or an inhaler.
When you are suffering from bronchitis, try and avoid all conditions that make symptoms worse. This includes smoking, harmful irritants, or strong fumes. Using a humidifier can also help clear up congestion and help you to breathe easier, especially at night.
For more suggestions on treating your bronchitis, call AFC Urgent Care Bedford today.
