Bronchitis can be extremely uncomfortable, and for some, is a common and unwelcome side effect of being sick with a cold. It can also be a longer term problem that can result in everyday breathing difficulty. Regardless of how you are suffering from this issue, it’s important that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible. At Montecito Concierge Medicine, we are quite experienced in diagnosing and treating this illness. We happily provide in-home care, 24/7 MD access, and many more supportive options to help you stay happy and healthy.
What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a disease characterized by inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Since these tubes are responsible for bringing air into and out of our lungs, this inflammation can result in shortness of breath, severe coughing, and general breathing difficulty. This illness can be broken down into two categories, acute and chronic.
What Are the Types of Bronchitis?
If you get bronchitis as the result of a respiratory infection or cold, you have the acute variant, which is often referred to as a chest cold. Typically symptoms of acute bronchitis improve after a week or so, though there may be a lingering cough. Chronic bronchitis is a problem that requires more attention. This is a constant irritation of the bronchial tubes, resulting in persistent coughing. This variant is often the result of years of smoking. It may also be a sign of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What Are the Symptoms?
The main symptom of this condition is a cough that is productive (coughing up mucus), often accompanying a cold or respiratory infection if acute. People with bronchitis also have difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, fatigue, and may have chills or fever. Acute bronchitis may simply be a consequence of genetics or a specific virus. A chronic bronchitis cough can occur in smokers, or as a symptom of another disease like emphysema or COPD.
What Treatments Does Montecito Concierge Medicine Offer?
In most cases, bed rest and fluids are sufficient to ride out an episode of bronchitis. However, if you have had a persistent cough for several weeks, or you are coughing up blood or discolored mucus, or you have a fever along with your cough, you should have one of our doctors look at you as soon as possible.
Treating Bronchitis in Santa Barbara
When you are a member of Montecito Concierge Medicine, we have your medical history at our fingertips. If you are feeling ill and are in need of not only a diagnosis but proper treatment, we can help. If necessary, we are happy to come to your home to provide care. To get started, arrange a FREE 15 minute meet and greet consultation with Dr. Alan J. Viglione by calling (805) 892-6500 or filling out the contact form below.