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AFC Seattle WA, a leading provider of non-emergency healthcare services, can provide bronchitis treatment and many other services. Head to AFC in Seattle WA for convenient and affordable healthcare.
Find Your CenterAcute bronchitis, also sometimes referred to as a chest cold, is caused by swelling of the airways in the lungs, called the bronchial tubes, which causes the production of mucus. This is what causes the coughing we associate with the ailment. Chronic bronchitis is more serious and refers to bronchitis that either doesn’t go away or keeps returning.
Viruses such as those that cause the cold and the flu most commonly trigger bronchitis, although in rare cases, it can also be caused by bacteria. In both cases, as your body fights the germs, the bronchial tubes’ inflammation induces swelling and mucus production. This decreases the amount of space in your airways and makes breathing harder.
In the case of chronic bronchitis, the causes are usually air pollution or breathing in chemical fumes or dust over time. Your risk for chronic bronchitis is also higher if you are a smoker or are exposed to secondhand smoke for long periods of time.
The symptoms of acute bronchitis usually don’t last more than three weeks and tend to get better over time, so long as you are looking after yourself.
Bronchitis symptoms include:
Your doctor can tell you if you have bronchitis by conducting a physical exam and asking about your symptoms. In some cases, they may want to run a few tests, such as checking the oxygen levels in your blood, performing a chest X-ray, or testing your mucus to determine if bacteria caused your illness.
In most cases, antibiotics are not recommended in bronchitis treatment, as viruses often cause the illness. While there aren’t necessarily any cures for bronchitis, there are ways to make yourself feel better and help your body recover.
Here are some ways to do this:
You can also ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that help reduce inflammation, break down mucus, and relieve some of your discomfort.
You should seek urgent medical treatment if you experience any of the following:
Most people get over the flu within a couple weeks of experiencing symptoms like headaches, body aches, sore throat, and runny nose. However, complications can occur: inflammation of the heart and brain, organ failure, and inflammatory response being just a few.
People over 65, people with chronic conditions like asthma, pregnant women, and young children are all at risk of developing complications.
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