Chest burning when you breathe can be uncomfortable and worrying, especially when it comes with a persistent cough. While several conditions can cause this sensation, bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory illnesses linked to chest irritation and pain. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and risk factors can help you decide when to seek medical care.
At AFC Urgent Care Franklin, we offer rapid care for coughs and other common illnesses. Don’t wait for an appointment to open up with your PCP, instead, walk into AFC Franklin! We’re open 7 days a week in Franklin, Massachusetts, from 8am to 8pm. To save time, save your spot online in advance below.
Conditions that Commonly Lead to Chest Pain
Chest pain is a serious condition that should not be ignored. If you’re coughing, and experiencing fatigue in your chest or back, or burning when you’re breathing, it is possible that you have a case of bronchitis. Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs become inflamed. This inflammation is most often triggered by viral infections, such as those that cause colds or flu. Less commonly, bacterial infections may be responsible. Environmental irritants, including cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, and chemical fumes can also inflame the airways. When the bronchial lining becomes irritated, breathing deeply may cause a burning or tight sensation in the chest.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
A severe and persistent cough is the hallmark symptom of bronchitis, and it may start dry before becoming productive with mucus. Symptoms like chest burning or discomfort often worsens during coughing fits or deep breaths. Other symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, mild fever, and body aches. In acute cases, symptoms usually last a few weeks, while chronic bronchitis involves ongoing inflammation and recurrent coughing over months.
Risks & Prevention Methods
Individuals with weakened immune systems, older adults, young children, and those with underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma are more vulnerable to bronchial infections and irritation. Bronchitis is more likely to form in patients within these categories.
Preventing bronchitis largely involves protecting your airways. Avoid smoking and limit exposure to smoke or pollutants whenever possible. Practicing good hand hygiene reduces the spread of respiratory viruses that can lead to lung irritation and a case of bronchitis. Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, including flu shots, can also lower your risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting adequate sleep, focusing on your nutrition, and regularly exercising will help strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off mild respiratory irritation before they worsen into a case of bronchitis.
Get Cough Diagnosis & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Franklin
Coughing can indicate a variety of common conditions and sometimes can go away without treatment. However, if your cough lasts longer than three weeks, chest burning becomes severe, or breathing feels increasingly difficult, you should seek medical care for evaluation. Your provider can evaluate your breathing, listen to your lungs, and X-ray your lungs to look for signs of an infection. Bronchitis can clear up on its own, but may require breathing treatments or inhalers to open the airways and make breathing easier during the recovery period.
At AFC Urgent Care Franklin, our walk-in clinic is available daily to provide convenient care for non-life-threatening conditions. We work with most medical insurance plans and have affordable rates for patients without coverage. To learn more about the conditions we treat on a walk-in basis, call the clinic at (508) 446-9400.
