As if the cold and flu weren't bad enough, many people find these illnesses developing into bronchitis: a lung infection in which the airways that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed. Between the cough, the mucus, the chest pain and discomfort, the shortness of breath, and possible low-grade fever, people with bronchitis often seek medical attention for relief from these nagging symptoms.
Acute bronchitis is usually a viral infection, thus making antibiotics an inappropriate course of treatment. There are cases, however, in which a bacterial infection is present, for which a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) explains. Acute bronchitis that is bacterial in nature may be marked by thick, yellowish-green (rather than clear) mucus. To determine whether you have acute bronchitis and whether the infection is bacterial or viral, your doctor will listen for abnormalities in your breathing using a stethoscope, and may also perform some of the following tests:
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examination of the sample of mucus from your lungs
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test of blood oxygen levels via a finger or toe sensor
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chest X-ray
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lung function tests
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blood tests
In most cases, says the American Lung Association and NHLBI, fluids and rest, humidifiers to help loosen mucus and free your airways, and doctor-recommended cough medicine and fever remedies are often the best bet for winning the bronchitis battle. www.sonicurgentcare.com / [email protected]