Bronchitis

If you have shortness of breath or a cough that doesn’t go away, you may have bronchitis. At Apple Urgent Care, the skilled medical team can diagnose acute or chronic bronchitis and offer appropriate treatment. They customize a care plan using home care strategies and medications to relieve your cough, improve your breathing, and restore your lung health. Call or book an appointment online, or visit the nearest office in Colton, Perris, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Hemet, San Bernardino, Coachella, or Indio, California, as a walk-in today. 

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis describes inflammation in the bronchial tubes that allow air into your lungs. The inflammation can also trigger excess mucus production that causes a persistent cough.

Acute bronchitis typically develops after a cold and lasts a few days or weeks. This condition may also be contagious.

Chronic bronchitis results from ongoing bronchial inflammation that is typically caused by chronic smoking. Apple Urgent Care offers diagnostic evaluations and treatment on a walk-in basis for adults and kids with bronchitis. The medical team focuses on reducing the severity of your symptoms and protecting your overall lung function and health.

What causes bronchitis?

The bronchitis infection can be caused by either a virus or bacteria, although viral bronchitis is much more common. In most cases, bronchitis is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu.

When should I seek an evaluation for bronchitis?

Walk into one of theApple Urgent Care locations if you have symptoms of acute or chronic bronchitis such as:

• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Low energy
• Excess mucus production

The providers complete a physical exam and review your symptoms. They may request a chest X-ray to evaluate the severity of airway inflammation and complete other lab tests to rule out pneumonia, asthma, and other conditions.

How is bronchitis treated?

If you have acute bronchitis, you may not need treatment. You can use other strategies like using a humidifier and drinking hot tea with honey until the inflammation resolves on its own.

When you have chronic bronchitis, your symptoms may be more severe. The team can prescribe oral or inhaled medications to control airway inflammation, so you can breathe more efficiently. You may also benefit from supplemental oxygen if you’re frequently short of breath or easily fatigued.

The Apple Urgent Care team can also provide preventive resources to help you quit smoking. They can refer you to a pulmonary specialist for additional care if you have COPD or another chronic lung disease.

Another prevention strategy for bronchitis is to stay up-to-date with vaccinations that protect against the seasonal flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.

Call Apple Urgent Care, book an appointment online, or visit the office near you as a walk-in for a bronchitis consultation.