The upper respiratory tract consists of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, sinuses and nasal passages. These structures are responsible for directing the air you breathe into the trachea and down to the lungs and back. Along the path, there are mucus membranes that secrete mucus to trap any foreign particles in the air, such as allergens and smoke. These particles are released when you exhale through the nose.
In some cases, the respiratory system may not work as it is supposed to. When this happens, you may begin to feel a tickle in the back of your throat or have issues breathing or coughing non-stop. While the symptoms may vary, if you display any signs of respiratory distress, you should seek bronchitis treatment online. The fact is your condition is only going to get worse as time passes without treatment. If you don’t seek treatment, it may result in a hospital stay.
Bronchitis symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If you have any symptoms, schedule an appointment with a doctor to get a formal diagnosis. Along with our online flu treatment, WebDoctors can provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis of bronchitis virtually and offer treatment options that can help you feel better sooner.
The most common symptoms of bronchitis include:
Some people may have other symptoms including a dry cough, runny nose, or post-nasal drip. Many will have complications from these symptoms including feeling tired all of the time or having pain in their eyes, nose, or throat. Though you may have another condition, being screened for bronchitis using our online consultation process is a fast and easy way to get answers.
Bronchitis can range in severity as well as in how long it lasts. Typically, there are two distinctions to consider:
If you believe you have either form, getting help from your doctor is critical. Our online doctor appointments make it easy for you to get help no matter what type of condition you are facing. With our flu, bronchitis, and ear infection telehealth services, you can get fast treatment for all of your health complications.
The treatment of bronchitis is dependent on the form and severity of the condition. For some people, it may go away on its own without treatment, especially if you take steps to improve your health and support your body’s natural ability to heal. To treat acute bronchitis, you may initially want to consider these steps:
If you do not see improvement in your symptoms within a few days, or they worsen, it is best to seek out help from your doctor online. You may benefit from medication as a treatment option. Some people may receive antibiotics to treat bronchitis, but only if your doctor believes a bacterial infection is the cause. This is more common in children.
For those facing chronic bronchitis, the treatment may include taking medications to improve airway flow, using oxygen therapy, and getting pulmonary rehabilitation.
Bronchitis is not typically contagious. However, some of the causes of it can be. Some people may have a form of bronchitis brought on by a virus. Viruses can easily spread from one person to the next. Viral forms of bronchitis can have symptoms that last longer, leaving you contagious for up to a week and sometimes more.
Those who have bronchitis brought on by a bacterial infection should no longer be contagious after 24 hours of taking medication prescribed by your doctor.
If you are not taking medications just yet, you may be contagious until you have fewer symptoms. It may be best to book an appointment with a doctor to find out if you have symptoms so you do not expose those who are at a higher risk. Our online virtual appointments can make this process very easy for you to get the help you need.
If you have any questions about your health, seek out an appointment online now with a doctor. Typically, you should reach out to a doctor (online or in person) if you have a cough or other symptoms that have not improved within 2-3 weeks of onset. You should seek out immediate medical care if you are struggling to breathe with significant symptoms.
When you meet with your doctor online, they will listen to you speak and talk to you about your symptoms. They will also consider your medical history and other complications to your health. A chest X-ray and blood test may be ordered to determine if you have bronchitis and whether or not you have an infection.
Since many other conditions can mimic the symptoms of bronchitis, if you are not sure what you have or it seems to be worsening, do not wait to make an appointment. Go online to book a consultation to learn more about your condition and the steps you can take to start feeling better.