Bronchitis is an aggravating illness that derives from an inflammation in the bronchial tubes. While bronchitis can often be attributed to smoking, there can be an array of possible causes. Everybody can contract bronchitis, since even just breathing in polluted air or harmful gases can cause bronchitis. Acute bronchitis typically lasts no longer than two weeks and has less-severe symptoms than chronic bronchitis, which due to its reoccurring nature, can lead to some dangerous complications.
Pneumonia is the most common complication arising from either acute or chronic bronchitis. Pneumonia occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs. While the immune system is capable of fighting pneumonia off itself without medications, in severe cases it can actually lead to life-threatening symptoms. The worst possible complication of pneumonia, however, is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis leads to COPD by repeatedly wreaking havoc on the bronchial tubes, which over time, leads to increased breathlessness. COPD essentially describes any lung disease that progressively deteriorates the lungs’ ability to breathe in oxygen.
COPD encompasses diseases such as emphysema, non-reversible asthma and bronchiectasis. All of the these diseases lead to a wide variety of detrimental symptoms that severely lessens people’s quality of life. The best way to avoid contracting these illness is therefore to refrain from smoking. It’s also important to consult a physician if you’re experiencing bronchitis symptoms as they can help treat bronchitis to ensure it doesn’t lead to any worse illnesses.
We here at AFC Urgent Care Methuen can diagnose bronchitis and administer any necessary medications. More times than not, our physicians will just provide advice to treat bronchitis on your own or recommend an over-the-counter cough medicine. If a physician suspects a patient’s bronchitis is the result of an influenza virus, they may prescribe antiviral medication. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are only effective against bacterial infections, so in most cases, a physician will not administer antibiotics.
For more information, call us at 978-975-0700 or visit us any day of the week between 8am and 8pm, and 8am and 5pm on weekends. We can ensure you’re on the right track to curing your bronchitis.