What You Should Know About Bronchitis And Urgent Care Treatment

If you think you might have bronchitis, an urgent care center may be the right place for you to go. That way, you won't have to wait for your doctor's office to have an appointment for you, and you may not need to visit the emergency room. Here's what you should know about bronchitis and urgent care treatment.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an infection of the lungs that is usually caused by a virus, such as the common cold or flu. The infection causes the airways to become inflamed and filled with mucus. This can make it difficult to breathe.

Bronchitis can be acute, which means it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, or it can be chronic, which means it comes and goes over a long period of time.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

The symptoms of bronchitis can vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic. Symptoms can be confused with those related to other conditions, so it's a good idea not to try to diagnose the condition yourself.

Acute bronchitis usually starts with a cold or flu-like illness. The symptoms may include a fever, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. After a few days, the symptoms will begin to improve, but you may have a cough that lasts for several weeks.

Chronic bronchitis symptoms can include a cough that produces mucus, shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing. Chronic bronchitis is often caused by smoking.

Treatment for Bronchitis

The treatment for bronchitis also depends on whether it is acute or chronic. Urgent care can help you get started with treatment until you can see a specialist or your regular doctor. The symptom relief can help you return to some normal activities.

Acute bronchitis is usually treated with over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and fever. You can also use cough syrup to help with the cough. However, if your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics.

Chronic bronchitis is more difficult to treat. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent the worsening of the condition. In some cases, this may require medication, such as bronchodilators or inhaled steroids.

Come to Urgent Care If You Have Bronchitis Symptoms

If you have any of the symptoms of bronchitis, it's important to see a doctor. At an urgent care center, a doctor can diagnose bronchitis and provide the appropriate treatment. In some cases, they may also recommend that you see a pulmonary specialist for additional treatment.