Bronchitis

Up to 5% of American Adults catch bronchitis each year. At ViteleDoc, a telehealth practice serving patients in California and Oregon, virtual urgent care provider Dustin Jacot, PA-C, provides virtual diagnosis and treatment of bronchitis. Virtual visits provide same-day care without you having to wait for hours in the lobby of an urgent care facility or an emergency room (ER). Book online or call Dustin today to receive treatment for bronchitis. 

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis causes your lungs and trachea to become inflamed and filled with mucus.

Most cases of bronchitis are acute and improve with rest and drinking plenty of fluids. But if you smoke or have extensive lung damage, bronchitis may become chronic, affecting your ability to breathe.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

The symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Fatigue

If you have chronic bronchitis, you might also experience chronic chest pain or regularly wheeze.

What are the types of bronchitis?

At ViteleDoc, Dustin diagnoses and treats both types of bronchitis, including:

Acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral infection. This type of bronchitis responds to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and typically resolves in a week or two.

Acute bronchitis also may be caused by bacterial infection but this is rare. If you're symptoms are lasting beyond two weeks, it may be bacterial. This type of bronchitis responds to antibiotic treatments.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent wet cough that lasts for three months or longer. Often, people with chronic bronchitis have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

At Viteledoc, Dustin diagnoses and treats bronchitis with virtual visits. First, he reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when your cough started, if certain activities, like exercise, seem to make it worse, and if you’ve tried at-home treatments like over-the-counter decongestants.

Next, Dustin asks about your lifestyle, including if you smoke, how often you exercise, and if you take any prescription medication. Then, he completes a virtual exam. During the exam, Dustin listens to you breathe and cough. He also has you point your phone or computer camera at your throat, so he can check for redness, inflammation, or swollen tonsils.

How is bronchitis treated?

Treatment of bronchitis typically includes a combination of rest, keeping your throat hydrated, and taking prescription medication. Depending on your age and the type of bronchitis you have, Dustin might recommend:

• Antiviral medication
• Bronchodilators (drugs that help you breathe)
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Cough suppressants
• Antibiotics (if you have a bacterial infection)
• Treatment for COPD or asthma

If your bronchitis is contagious, Dustin also recommends staying home and washing your hands regularly. If you’re around others, make sure to cough into your sleeve or elbow.

How can I reduce my risk of bronchitis?

You can reduce your risk of bronchitis by practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding things that irritate the lungs, like smoking and vaping. 

Click the online booking feature or call ViteleDoc today to receive treatment for bronchitis.