Bronchitis Treatment in Laredo, TX
A brief coughing spell is usually nothing to worry about. During cold and flu season, you might experience a temporary bout of acute bronchitis. Commonly referred to as a chest cold, acute bronchitis can develop as your body’s immune system fights off a viral infection and your airways swell and produce excess mucus. Usually, the inflammation resolves once the infection clears.
Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis causes lasting airway inflammation. In addition to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing, this potentially serious respiratory condition can cause fever, chills, chest congestion, a sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue.
When Is Bronchitis Treatment Necessary?
Without proper treatment, bronchitis—acute or chronic—can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to seek professional medical attention for bronchitis symptoms that last longer than three weeks or include a high fever, wheezing, shortness of breath or blood-tinged phlegm. For a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, you can visit VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, Texas.
As part of the diagnostic process for bronchitis, a VitalMed provider may:
- Take a sputum culture to test for bacteria, which may require antibiotic treatment
- Order a chest X-ray to rule out more serious conditions
- Perform pulmonary function testing to check for signs of asthma or emphysema
If you are diagnosed with bronchitis, your provider may recommend medications to help suppress your coughing, reduce your fever and ease your muscle aches as needed. Additionally, if you have chronic bronchitis, your provider may prescribe a corticosteroid inhaler with a long-acting bronchodilator or recommend a breathing exercise program to improve your lung function (pulmonary rehabilitation). It will also be important for you to avoid airborne lung irritants, such as tobacco smoke.
Getting to the Bottom of Your Cough
If you’ve been coughing for more than a few weeks, it’s best to find out what’s going on. You’re in good hands with VitalMed. We can pinpoint the cause of your chronic cough and, if necessary, suggest appropriate bronchitis treatment.
To learn more, contact VitalMed Urgent Care today.
