RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES

At Falls Avenue Immediate Care, we treat a range of respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and RSV, which affect the lungs and cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and other symptoms.

More about RSV, Bronchitis, and Pneumonia

Do you feel as if you just can’t shake your cough? Does your child’s coughing keep him/her up at night? A respiratory illness that affects the lungs or upper airways might be the culprit.

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There are many different types of respiratory illnesses. The most common include colds and flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bronchitis, and pneumonia.

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Our friendly, caring medical providers can help diagnose what’s troubling you. They’ll recommend treatment to help you feel better and, depending on your illness, refer you to any specialized care that may be needed. 

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What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs. There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is common and usually is brought on by a cold or other virus. After you’ve been treated for acute bronchitis, you may have a lingering cough for several weeks.

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Chronic bronchitis, however, is a constant inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually caused by smoking. Bronchitis is considered chronic when it lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts of coughing that happen for at least two years in a row.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include:

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• Cough

• Production of mucus when coughing

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Slight fever and chills

• Sore chest

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Diagnosing Bronchitis

Your FAIC medical team can diagnose bronchitis with a thorough medical history and physical exam. The physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner will use a stethoscope to carefully listen to your lungs and the upper airways. Tests are generally not necessary to diagnose acute bronchitis.

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If chronic bronchitis is suspected, you’ll likely receive a chest X-ray.

Our clinic offers X-rays on site, so you can receive your X-rays and diagnosis all in the same place.

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Treatment of Bronchitis

Treating acute bronchitis is similar to treatments for colds and other viral illnesses:

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• Resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

• Avoiding secondhand smoke and other fumes.

• Managing pain and discomfort with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 

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If your Falls Avenue Immediate Care provider diagnoses you with chronic bronchitis, he or she will help you to coordinate care for this ongoing condition. You will likely need to create a treatment plan with your primary care physician or a specialist, such as pulmonologist, to help you slow the progression of the disease. Often, those with chronic bronchitis will take part in pulmonary rehabilitation, as directed by their doctors.