Bronchitis can feel like a never-ending cough. It can take up to ten days to clear up, and with COVID-19 looming around every corner, adding Bronchitis into the mix can leave you feeling exhausted. AFC Urgent Care Vernon has the answer to help you treat your acute Bronchitis this flu season. Since many illnesses stem from the flu, getting a flu shot is the easiest way to stay safe.
What is Acute Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of your bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs. This inflammation causes you to cough and usually produce mucus within that cough. Acute Bronchitis usually stems from colds or the flu, so be sure to take any prescribed medication to keep it from evolving. There are no antibiotics that can help resolve Bronchitis. Signs that you have acute Bronchitis can include:
- Cough that produces mucus
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
These symptoms can, unfortunately, last for a few weeks. As long as they are not getting worse, there is no cause for concern – they will get better over time. You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not seem to get better after three weeks or the mucus begins to produce blood.
At-home Treatment
While acute Bronchitis cannot be treated with antibiotics, some at-home remedies can help alleviate symptoms. Dependent on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a cough medicine. At home, sleeping with a humidifier or using one throughout the day can help relieve the cough and break up the mucus. Avoid any lung irritants, such as cigarette smoke or cleaning products. If you are in an area with high air pollution, wearing a mask when outside can also help avoid irritants. If cold air causes you to cough more, wearing a mask at this point can also keep symptoms from getting worse.
Like any illness, getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids can speed up the recovery process. This can help avoid dehydration and will thin the mucus to make the cough less severe. In some cases, Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia. Be sure to get plenty of rest throughout the duration of the symptoms to avoid this complication. OTC medications such as Asprin or Tylenol can alleviate any pain in your chest.
Contact AFC Urgent Care Vernon
If you think you may have acute Bronchitis or have a cough that will not go away, visit our center for a diagnosis. A persistent cough is one of the symptoms of COVID-19. If you think you have been exposed within the last 14 days, schedule an appointment today to get a rapid test.
