Bronchitis

If you are experiencing severe coughing that causes mucus build-up, you may have bronchitis. It is important to seek treatment for bronchitis by a medical professional. The team at WellCare Urgent Care will help to relieve you from bronchitis so you can continue to live a happy and healthy life.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes which carry air to the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis, including:

• Acute Bronchitis: This type of bronchitis improves quickly, usually within 10 days. It is typically caused by viruses and many refer to this as a “chest cold.”
• Chronic Bronchitis: This is characterized by repeated bronchitis. This type of bronchitis is caused by smoking, air pollution, dust, or gases and requires medical attention.

If you are experiencing ongoing acute or chronic bronchitis, you don’t have to live with it. At WellCare Urgent Care, we can help you find the root cause of your symptoms and start treatment.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

There are common symptoms of bronchitis, which include:

• Shortness of Breath
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Mucus
• Fever and Chills
• Chest Discomfort

If you have acute bronchitis, you may also experience cold symptoms. This usually improves within a week, but the cough could linger for a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis is characterized as a nagging cough lasting for at least three months with reoccurring episodes in a duration of two years.

Bronchitis Risk Factors

Bronchitis has several risk factors, including:

• Environmental exposure to irritants like chemical fumes, dust, secondhand smoke, and air pollution
• Smoking and vaping
• Not getting vaccinated for pneumonia, whooping cough, or the flu
• A family history of lung conditions like asthma, COPD, and more
• Repeated respiratory infections or lung disease
• Chronic acid reflux

You can reduce your risk of acute and chronic bronchitis by getting your flu shot regularly, wearing a mask around dust, fumes, and sick people, and washing your hands diligently.

Treatments for Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral infection, meaning in these cases, antibiotics are not helpful and it will simply need to run its course. But symptoms of acute bronchitis can be treated with home-remedies or cough medicine. If you have asthma or allergies, then an inhaler can be helpful to reduce inflammation. Chronic bronchitis can be viral or bacterial, and medications might be recommended to help open airways and reduce inflammation. If you have chronic bronchitis, then learning breathing exercises can be helpful, as well as removing irritants from your environment.

With bronchitis diagnosed at our Cascade and Leonard locations, our medical providers can help you review treatment options to alleviate symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bronchitis

Can bronchitis be contagious? Acute bronchitis, often caused by viruses, is contagious and spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Chronic bronchitis, usually caused by smoking or long-term exposure to irritants, is not contagious. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can help prevent the spread of bronchitis. What is the best way to relieve a persistent bronchitis cough? A persistent cough from bronchitis can be relieved by staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and taking over-the-counter cough suppressants or lozenges. If the cough is severe, an inhaler may be prescribed to help open the airways. If your cough lasts longer than three weeks or worsens, it's best to visit WellCare Urgent Care for an evaluation. Can bronchitis cause long-term lung damage? Acute bronchitis typically does not cause long-term lung damage, but chronic bronchitis, often due to smoking or air pollution, can lead to permanent lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seeking treatment early and avoiding lung irritants can help prevent complications and protect lung health. Does bronchitis always require antibiotics? Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses, making antibiotics ineffective. However, if bronchitis is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It is important to seek medical advice before taking antibiotics to ensure proper treatment. How can I prevent bronchitis? Preventing bronchitis involves avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to air pollution, and washing hands frequently to prevent viral infections. Staying up to date on flu and pneumonia vaccines can also reduce the risk of bronchitis. If you experience frequent respiratory infections, a visit to WellCare Urgent Care can help assess your lung health.

Bronchitis Treatment at WellCare Urgent Care

To learn more about bronchitis and treatments that we offer, come into WellCare Urgent Care in Grand Rapids. We provide our patients with great care in a timely manner to help you feel better. You can schedule an immediate appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard locations.