Coughing, shortness, or breath, and chest pain may be signs of bronchitis or a more serious lung problem. The skilled team at Houston Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Associates diagnoses and treats bronchitis and other conditions, including tuberculosis, at locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas. If you think you may have bronchitis, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Bronchitis occurs when the lining of your bronchial tubes, which move air in and out of your lungs, becomes inflamed. This may cause you to cough up mucus that can be clear or discolored. The two main types of bronchitis are:
Acute bronchitis is a common problem that often develops from a cold or respiratory infection. People with acute bronchitis typically get better within a week to 10 days.
Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Doctors consider bronchitis to be chronic when it persists for three months or more with recurring bouts for at least two years.
The signs and symptoms of bronchitis are similar for both acute and chronic cases. Symptoms may include:
When you have chronic bronchitic, your symptoms may worsen for periods of time. Bronchitis symptoms are similar to other lung conditions, including bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, and other mycobacterial infections. These conditions can be life-threatening, especially for people with compromised immune systems.
If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, it’s important to see the experts at Houston Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Associates, for an accurate diagnosis.
First, the team at Houston Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Associates, carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history. They perform a physical exam, listening to your lungs through a stethoscope as you breathe.
They may take a variety of tests, including:
These tests help your provider confirm a diagnosis of bronchitis and rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like bronchiectasis.
Most people recover from acute bronchitis on their own within a couple of weeks. If you have chronic bronchitis due to COPD, or if your chronic cough is related to another condition like allergies or asthma, treatment may include:
To find out if your chronic cough is due to bronchitis, call Houston Pulmonary, Sleep & Allergy Associates, or book an appointment online today.
