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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Bronchitis

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How is Bronchitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

To diagnose bronchitis, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical examination, taking care to listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. While bronchitis can have several symptoms in common with a cold, flu, and other respiratory conditions, your doctor may suspect bronchitis if your symptoms have lasted several weeks or recurred repeatedly.

If necessary, your primary care physician may perform one or more tests to rule out other issues that could cause symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and thick mucus. These tests include a pulmonary function test to check for signs of asthma and a sputum (mucus) test that can reveal signs of allergies.

How is Bronchitis Treated?

Treatments

Acute bronchitis

Most cases of acute bronchitis clear up on their own within a couple of weeks. If your bronchitis was caused by a bacterial infection that is still present, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. During your recovery time, you can use over-the-counter products that suppress your cough or loosen mucus if your symptoms are bothering you.

Chronic bronchitis

In treating chronic bronchitis, your doctor’s goal will be to manage your symptoms. They may prescribe medications that help open the airways and ease breathing, like bronchodilators or steroids. There are also different kinds of rehabilitation plans that may help control chronic bronchitis symptoms. Oxygen rehabilitation can provide additional oxygen to the lungs while pulmonary rehabilitation teaches breathing techniques that can minimize or lessen symptoms.

FAQs

FAQs

Generally, symptoms of acute bronchitis clear up after about two weeks. Sometimes, however, you may notice a lingering cough. Chronic bronchitis can last two to three months and may occur for years afterward.

Most people with bronchitis experience a barking cough and may experience a whistling or wheezing sound while breathing. Most people with bronchitis also cough up mucus, which can cause a wet-sounding cough.

Most cases of acute bronchitis develop after a viral or bacterial infection like a cold or flu. Chronic bronchitis is often caused by extended exposure to cigarette smoke or air pollutants.

As bronchitis is a viral or bacterial infection, it is spread by close contact with an infected individual. The disease is airborne, and transmitted when you inhale airborne droplets from a cough, sneeze, or even close talking.

Bronchitis causes symptoms that are similar to a common cold or the flu, including fatigue and fever. Its most recognizable and common symptoms are a cough and the presence of thick mucus.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for bronchitis treatment

The pulmonary experts at NewYork-Presbyterian are renowned for their ability to carefully craft individualized treatment plans that address your symptoms, lifestyle, and concerns. If you’re suffering from bronchitis, our team will ensure you receive compassionate and effective care for managing your condition.