Bronchitis Treatment for Patients of All Ages in Newtown, CT

Bronchitis refers to inflammation or infection in the bronchial tubes, or the lungs’ airways. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as a barking cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Most cases of bronchitis are acute—or lasting less than 10 days—and are caused by viruses or bacteria. Chronic bronchitis is less common and typically results from long-term cigarette smoking. A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), chronic bronchitis isn’t reversible but can be managed with appropriate treatment.

For prompt bronchitis treatment from a caring team of clinicians, come to PhysicianOne Urgent Care—an affiliate of Yale New Haven Health. Our facility in Newtown, Connecticut, is open 365 days per week with extended evening hours and staffed with highly experienced medical practitioners who are committed to delivering individualized care. What’s more, we treat patients of all ages, so even if your tiniest family member is struggling with bronchitis symptoms, we can help.

Bronchitis Symptoms

The symptoms of bronchitis can vary from person to person, but usually include a combination of the following:

• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Chest tightness
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Wheezing
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fever and chills 

The most common sign of bronchitis is a deep, dry cough that may eventually start producing mucus. This cough can persist for a few days or a few weeks. Call 911 immediately if you or someone around you experiences trouble breathing, sudden chest pain, or bluish skin or lips.

Bronchitis Risk Factors 

There are a handful of factors that can influence your risk of developing chronic bronchitis, including:

• Having a weakened immune system
• Smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke
• Being older than 50
• Frequent exposure to lung irritants such as chemical fumes and dust 
• Not getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia
• Having gastric reflux disease 

As discussed, smoking cigarettes is the primary cause of chronic bronchitis. If you currently smoke and want to reduce your risk, quitting is the first step. Consider joining a smoking cessation program to help you reach your goals.

Treating Bronchitis at Home

Most cases of viral bronchitis resolve on their own. Over-the-counter medication, such as cough suppressants, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, can help manage acute bronchitis symptoms as your body fights the infection. Other steps you can take to ease your symptoms at home include:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water 
• Using a clean humidifier to moisten the air in your home
• Drinking hot tea or water with ginger—a natural anti-inflammatory that can soothe inflamed bronchial tubes

When to Visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care for Bronchitis Treatment

Sometimes, self-care measures aren’t enough to shake a severe case of bronchitis, particularly when the infection is caused by bacteria. It’s important to visit a reputable medical provider like PhysicianOne Urgent Care for bronchitis treatment if:

• Your cough persists for more than three weeks
• Your cough produces blood or discolored mucus
• Your symptoms prevent you from sleeping
• You develop wheezing or shortness of breath
• You have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

When you visit our Newtown urgent care center, we will learn about your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and possibly conduct a few tests. We may recommend a sputum test to discern if you’re dealing with a bacterial infection (in which case, antibiotic medication may be prescribed) and/or a COVID-19 test.

Walk into our urgent care location in Newtown today to receive the bronchitis treatment you need to breathe easy again. You can also take advantage of our online check-in system to streamline your visit with us. But, if you don’t feel up to getting out of bed, we’ve still got you! PhysicianOne Urgent Care is pleased to offer a 24/7 telemedicine service that allows patients to consult with our clinicians from anywhere at any time. Our team accepts most health insurance plans, offers sensible self-pay rates, and is here to answer any questions you may have.