Bronchitis is a respiratory disease in which the mucus membrane in the lungs’ bronchial passages becomes inflamed. There are two forms of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is less serious and typically lasts from one to three weeks, while chronic bronchitis is a more serious form and usually lasts at least three months of the year for two years in a row.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling or inflammation of the bronchi
- Fever and chills
- Runny nose
- Production of mucus
Bronchitis is typically caused by a virus and is very common in the winter months. Exposure to smoke, chemicals and air pollution can often lead to acute bronchitis. It can also be spread from person to person whenever someone coughs, sneezes or even talks. If any of the liquid droplets containing any of the bacteria or virus particles are spread through the air and onto any objects, the chances of catching the virus increase dramatically. Chronic bronchitis is most common among cigarette smokers.
How to Treat Bronchitis
- If you smoke, stop. If you don’t smoke, avoid being exposed to any smoke from others
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Get enough rest so your body has enough energy to fight the virus
- Use nonprescription medicine, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Breath in moist air from a hot shower, a sink filled with hot water, or a humidifier
- If infected with chronic bronchitis, seek medical attention immediately (FastMed Urgent Care Clinic Locations)
Daniel Zoeteman, M.D.
Phoenix Metro
Regional Medical Director
Fast Med Urgent Care
About FastMed
FastMed Urgent Care owns and operates nearly 200 centers in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that provide a broad range of acute/episodic and preventive healthcare services 365 days a year. FastMed also provides workers’ compensation and other occupational health services at all its centers, and family and sports medicine services at select locations. FastMed has successfully treated more than six million patients and is the only independent urgent care operator in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas to be awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information about locations, services, hours of operation, insurance and prices, visit www.fastmed.com.