Urgent Care for Bronchitis in Connecticut, Massachusetts & New York
Do you have a cough that won’t go away? It might be a condition known as bronchitis. Luckily, if you’re in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York, you can rely on PhysicianOne Urgent Care for bronchitis treatment. We’re a physician-founded practice that’s been serving the region since 2008, and all of our providers are trained in either emergency, family, or internal medicine.
What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes—which carry air to and from the lungs—become inflamed. This causes the airways to swell and fill with mucus, which in turn produces a nagging cough. There are two main types of bronchitis:
- Acute bronchitis – This is a temporary condition that often resolves on its own within a few weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis – If you have a wet cough (one that produces mucus) on most days of the month for at least three months a year, for at least two consecutive years, then you might have chronic bronchitis. This condition falls under the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) umbrella.
What Causes Bronchitis?
Bronchitis has a number of potential causes, including:
- Viral infections (viruses are the most common cause of acute bronchitis)
- Bacterial infections
- Smoking
- Pollution and other environmental irritants
Although anyone can get bronchitis, certain individuals have an especially high risk of developing the condition, including those who:
- Smoke
- Are exposed to secondhand smoke, chemicals, or toxic gasses
- Have gastroesophageal reflux disease, an autoimmune disorder, or a respiratory condition (e.g., asthma)
Common Bronchitis Symptoms
As was noted above, the hallmark symptom of bronchitis is a persistent cough. Bronchitis typically causes a productive cough, but some people may experience a dry cough. Other common bronchitis symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
Should You Go to the Doctor for Bronchitis?
Generally speaking, it’s always a good idea to consult with a medical provider about a cough that worsens or fails to resolve after a few days. It’s especially important that you speak to a professional about a suspected case of bronchitis if:
- Your cough persists for more than three weeks, produces blood or discolored mucus, or prevents you from sleeping
- You’re wheezing or experiencing shortness of breath
- You have a fever that’s above 100.4°F or lasts for more than five days
What Does Bronchitis Treatment Involve?
Bronchitis treatment is often aimed at relieving symptoms. For example, a clinician may recommend:
- Taking an anti-inflammatory medication or a bronchodilator
- Using a humidifier
- Taking warm showers
- Resting
Additional bronchitis treatments will vary from one patient to another depending on what caused the inflammation. For example, when bronchitis results from a virus, a medical provider may prescribe an antiviral medication.
Choose PhysicianOne Urgent Care for Bronchitis Treatment
If you’re experiencing the symptoms described above, you don’t have to wait to get the care you need. PhysicianOne Urgent Care administers in-person bronchitis treatment 365 days per year during extended hours, and we also offer a 24/7 integrated telehealth service that allows patients to speak to a local provider from the comfort of home and continue treatment in a PhysicianOne center if necessary. Click here to find the urgent care location nearest you.
