Bronchitis

Treatment for Bronchitis in Connecticut & New York

Are you coughing or sneezing, or do you feel tired or congested? Do you have a fever or a sore throat? Or, are you experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other unpleasant symptoms of an illness?

If you’re feeling under the weather, you can turn to Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care for everyday illness treatment. We’re pleased to offer treatment for common illnesses to patients of all ages in Connecticut and New York. You can count on us to provide professional, fast, and friendly urgent care. We deliver an exceptional experience to every patient, every time.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes—which carry air to and from the lungs—become inflamed. This causes the airways to swell and fill with mucus, which in turn produces a nagging cough. There are two main types of bronchitis:

• Acute bronchitis – This is a temporary condition that often resolves on its own within a few weeks.
• Chronic bronchitis – If you have a wet cough (one that produces mucus) on most days of the month for at least three months a year, for at least two consecutive years, then you might have chronic bronchitis. This condition falls under the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) umbrella.

What Causes Bronchitis?

Bronchitis has a number of potential causes, including:

• Viral infections (viruses are the most common cause of acute bronchitis)
• Bacterial infections
• Smoking
• Pollution and other environmental irritants

Although anyone can get bronchitis, certain individuals have an especially high risk of developing the condition, including those who:

• Smoke
• Are exposed to secondhand smoke, chemicals, or toxic gasses
• Have gastroesophageal reflux disease, an autoimmune disorder, or a respiratory condition (e.g., asthma)

Common Bronchitis Symptoms

As was noted above, the hallmark symptom of bronchitis is a persistent cough. Bronchitis typically causes a productive cough, but some people may experience a dry cough. Other common bronchitis symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue

Should You Go to the Doctor for Bronchitis?

Generally speaking, it’s always a good idea to consult with a medical provider about a cough that worsens or fails to resolve after a few days. It’s especially important that you speak to a professional about a suspected case of bronchitis if:

• Your cough persists for more than three weeks, produces blood or discolored mucus, or prevents you from sleeping
• You’re wheezing or experiencing shortness of breath
• You have a fever that’s above 100.4°F or lasts for more than five days

What Does Bronchitis Treatment Involve?

Bronchitis treatment is often aimed at relieving symptoms. For example, a clinician may recommend:

• Taking an anti-inflammatory medication or a bronchodilator
• Using a humidifier
• Taking warm showers
• Resting

Additional bronchitis treatments will vary from one patient to another depending on what caused the inflammation. For example, when bronchitis results from a virus, a medical provider may prescribe an antiviral medication.

Choose Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care for Bronchitis Treatment

If you’re experiencing the symptoms described above, you don’t have to wait to get the care you need. Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care administers in-person bronchitis treatment 365 days per year during extended hours, and we also offer a 24/7 integrated telehealth service that allows patients to speak to a local provider from the comfort of home and continue treatment in a Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care if necessary. Click here to find the urgent care location nearest you.