Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common but potentially serious condition caused by a cold or another respiratory infection. At Refresh Wellness in Garland, Texas, board-certified nurse practitioner and house call specialist Bincy Varughese, APRN, FNP-C, has more than nine years of experience diagnosing and treating bronchitis. Call the office to receive treatment for bronchitis today, or book online.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis refers to swelling of your bronchial tubes. The inflammation causes your lungs to produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis typically improves within two weeks, but chronic bronchitis requires lifetime care. Even so, it’s possible to reduce uncomfortable symptoms with healthy lifestyle changes, medication, and routine checkups.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Cough
• Production of mucus
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fever and chills
• Chest discomfort

If you experience any of these issues and they prevent you from sleeping or doing other routine tasks, contact Refresh Wellness immediately.

What causes bronchitis?

The cause of bronchitis depends on the underlying type:

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis occurs due to a viral infection. For example, if the virus that causes the flu or the common cold infiltrates your airways, it may infect your lungs. This type of bronchitis usually improves with conservative treatments, like rest, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter decongestants. 

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis occurs due to long-term exposure to smoke, pollutants, or chemicals. You’re more likely to experience chronic bronchitis if you smoke cigarettes or vape.

No matter the type of bronchitis you have, treatment can help you feel better.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

Your Refresh Wellness provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. 

Then, they complete a physical exam. Your provider listens to your lungs with a stethoscope, orders chest X-rays to see if you have fluid in your lungs, and collects a sputum sample.

A sputum sample analyzes your mucus or saliva for the presence of viruses or bacteria. The results help your provider determine the most effective treatment.

How is bronchitis treated?

Treatment of bronchitis depends on the type you have and the severity of your symptoms. Most cases of acute bronchitis improve with rest and conservative treatments. But if you have a bacterial infection, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent it from spreading.

If you have chronic bronchitis, your provider may prescribe an inhaler or medications to reduce inflammation and open your airways. You might also benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, a special breathing exercise program.

Call Refresh Wellness to explore the treatment options for bronchitis today, or book online.