If you’re experiencing a mild cough, you may think it will just go away on its own. While some coughs will resolve on their own with time, a mild cough can sometimes turn into a condition called bronchitis. Bronchitis is a condition that causes inflammation inside the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. When these airways swell and fill with mucus, it can lead to a severe cough, along with various breathing problems. This article will review common symptoms associated with bronchitis so that you can take appropriate action if your cough is turning into a case of bronchitis.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bronchitis or are suffering from a severe cough, our walk-in urgent care clinic in West Long Branch, New Jersey can help. We offer same-day care for non-emergent conditions like coughs and cases of bronchitis - all on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot in line in advance using the button below. We’re open 7 days a week.
How to Tell if Your Cough is Turning into Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is inflammation in the lungs that often develops from a mild illness like a cold or a case of the flu. It usually causes a mild cough to worsen over time rapidly, and can lead to additional symptoms such as:
- Coughing up thick yellow or green mucus
- Chest soreness after coughing fits
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Low-grade fever
- Body aches and chills
When to Seek Medical Care for Bronchitis Symptoms
If you’re feeling sick, but you have a cough that is rapidly worsening, your cough may be developing into a case of bronchitis. Any symptoms related to difficulty breathing should always be checked out by a medical professional, as these symptoms can be life-threatening. Additionally, if you have underlying lung conditions like asthma, you should also seek medical care for evaluation. Without proper treatment, bronchitis symptoms can be long lasting and severe.
How to Treat Bronchitis
Treatment for bronchitis varies based on the severity of symptoms, your overall health, and the underlying cause. Bronchitis can form from a viral infection, or from a bacterial infection. Cases of bronchitis that stem from a viral infection like a cold are typically treated with a symptom management focus. However, if your case of bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary to clear up the infection. In both cases, breathing treatments and inhalers can help open up the airway to make breathing easier while you recover.
Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for Bronchitis & Cough Treatment
A mild cough can easily turn for the worse and become a case of bronchitis. If you have a cough that is worsening over time, or are experiencing severe symptoms like chest tightness or wheezing, you should always seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms, take X-rays of your chest to gauge the severity of the infection, and provide any necessary course of treatment to alleviate your symptoms.
At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our walk-in clinic specializes in providing convenient care for common conditions like severe coughs and cases of bronchitis. We have an X-ray imaging suite on-site for same-day testing and accurate diagnosis. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans, and we have competitive self-pay rates. Walk in today for same-day care!
