Bronchitis

What causes bronchitis?

When you have bronchitis, the lining of your bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and often lined with a thick mucus. These tubes are essential for carrying oxygen to and from your lungs, so when they’re inflamed and congested, breathing becomes increasingly difficult and labored.  

Bronchitis can be either chronic or acute. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by smoking or ongoing exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke or air pollution. Acute bronchitis is typically caused by viruses, just like the common cold and seasonal flu. In either case, your risk of bronchitis further increases due to:

• History of bronchitis
• Having a severe cold
• Having a weakened immune system
• Exposure to lung irritants or chemical fumes at work

Your chance of developing bronchitis is also higher if you have gastric reflux, since stomach acid can irritate your delicate throat tissues and leave you vulnerable to infection.

How do I know if I have bronchitis?

Bronchitis causes some distinct signs and symptoms. But because bronchitis can make breathing seem difficult and strained, don’t ignore your symptoms any longer. If you have bronchitis, you may experience any of the following issues:

• Wheezing
• Nagging cough
• Chest discomfort
• Fever and chills
• Weakness and fatigue
• Production of mucus
• Shortness of breath

Whether your bronchitis symptoms are minor or severe, the dedicated practitioners at Express Lane Urgent Care can diagnose and treat you right away.

Can I get treatment for bronchitis?

Yes! At Express Lane Urgent Care, your practitioner may listen to you breathe, take an X-ray image, and run some labs to confirm a bronchitis diagnosis, or to rule out similar conditions, like pneumonia. Depending on your case of bronchitis and what’s causing it, your treatment plan may include:

• Breathing exercises
• Activity modifications
• Prescription cough medicine
• Over-the-counter fever reducers
• Inhaled anti-inflammatory medications  

The medical experts at Express Lane Urgent Care work diligently to help you recover from bronchitis as quickly as possible, so you can start getting back to your regular activities.

The practitioners at Express Lane Urgent Care are available to care for you if you have bronchitis. Walk in during business hours, or call the office to schedule an appointment.