If you suspect a bronchitis or pneumonia infection, you may be feeling pretty sick. Any time our lungs are affected by infection, it can make it harder to breathe normally and can cause a nasty cough. While you may feel sick for a while, the majority of cases will go away on their own in a week or two.

That being said, it is crucial that you receive a proper diagnosis for your illness! Certain bacterial cases of pneumonia or bronchitis will need antibiotics to help eradicate the infection or your infection can spread and create a more serious and even deadly situation.

Our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team explains some more about upper respiratory infections below, so keep reading.

How Does Pneumonia Affect the Body?

Pneumonia is an infection that irritates the alveoli in your lungs. Your alveoli are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide through your blood. When you have pneumonia, they become filled with fluid and can’t function properly.

Pneumonia can make you feel miserable all over. A fever and body aches aren’t uncommon, as well as a deep, productive cough. With pneumonia, it is important to keep an eye on your symptoms and seek medical assistance any time you are having trouble breathing or are experiencing respiratory distress.

Severe Pneumonia Infection Signs

• High fever that lasts for days
• Chest pain
• Blood in your mucus
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing

Is Bronchitis Different Than Pneumonia?

While they are both infections in your chest, bronchitis irritates a different location. This infection settles into the passages that help carry air to and from your lungs, which are called bronchial tubes. Because this area is so sensitive, a wheezing cough is often a common sign of an acute bronchitis infection.

Like pneumonia, viral bronchitis will eventually go away on its own, though that cough might stick around for a few weeks as your body fully heals. If your symptoms fail to improve on their own, come see us right away! If left untreated, a worsening bronchitis infection may turn into pneumonia and can cause more troublesome issues for you.

Signs of an Acute Bronchitis Infection

• Deep cough
• Production of mucus
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or discomfort

Are you feeling unwell? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga for a quick visit today.