A lingering cough can not only be disruptive to your daily routine, but could potentially indicate that you’re dealing with a serious illness. Acute bronchitis is a viral illness that causes an overproduction of mucus that makes you cough. AFC Urgent Care Toms River specializes in same-day acute bronchitis diagnosis and treatment for all patients in the area. We can help families find symptom relief via our urgent care center. Visit the clinic on a walk-in basis or book an appointment online today.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
A persistent cough could potentially mean you’re dealing with acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis can develop from an infection of other general illnesses, such as a cold, flu, or other upper respiratory infections.
Some common symptoms of bronchitis include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Mild body aches
- Fatigue
It’s difficult to diagnose bronchitis on your own, since the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Visiting AFC Toms River for an accurate diagnosis is an important step in treating your symptoms properly.
How is Bronchitis Treated?
If you’re suffering from a prolonged cough and suspect that you have bronchitis, there are treatment options available. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, which means antibiotic treatment will not help alleviate symptoms. At home you can try to ease your cough by taking an over-the-counter cough medication, drink plenty of fluids, avoid smoke, and use a warm-mist humidifier.
By visiting the walk-in clinic at AFC Toms River, you will receive comprehensive treatment from our professional medical staff. As mentioned, antibiotics don’t treat acute bronchitis. However, if your provider suspects that you have a bacterial infection, like an ear infection that has developed as a result of your illness, you may be prescribed an antibiotic.
When Should I Seek Medical Care?
Some groups of people are at a higher risk for severe cases of bronchitis that could lead to complications that require hospitalization. High-risk groups include young children/infants, older adults with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying health conditions. In this case, emergency care may be the best option to treat bronchitis symptoms. AFC Toms River can help treat mild to moderate infections of bronchitis.
If your symptoms aren’t getting better after taking OTC cough medication, or worsen over time, you should seek medical care. Additionally, if you are experiencing a fever higher than 102°F, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, we recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Contact AFC Urgent Care Toms River
If your cough persists for a couple weeks, visit AFC Urgent Care Toms River to have your symptoms diagnosed. Our medical providers can monitor your symptoms and accurately diagnose them using our on-site lab. We accept many insurance carriers and offer low costs for our self-pay patients. Visit the clinic any day of the week to start feeling better fast. If you have any additional questions about bronchitis treatment, or other urgent care services we provide, please call us directly at (732) 719-7788.
