If you have a respiratory infection that won’t go away, there’s a good chance you have bronchitis. Bronchitis comes in two different forms: acute and chronic. The acute form typically develops after a cold and clears up in several days. Some individuals are susceptible to chronic bronchitis. In this case, bronchitis can go away and come back up to three months of the year for several years in a row. Those suffering from chronic bronchitis will notice their symptoms worsen over time, which can be very difficult to deal with.
Some of the most common symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest discomfort
- Mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Mild fever and chills
It is important to keep in mind that while bronchitis itself is not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it can be. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff at Urgentology Care will evaluate and diagnose you in a timely manner, coming up with a treatment plan that works for your specific needs.
Call (817) 799-7273 or walk into your nearest Urgentology Care clinic for treatment today! We can help you with bronchitis treatment in Arlington.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
While acute bronchitis does usually go away without treatment on its own, you may need to seek medical treatment if symptoms worsen or prolong.
If you are experiencing the following, please come into our urgent care clinic today:
- Symptoms last more than three weeks
- Mucus is discolored or has blood in it
- You are having difficulty sleeping because of your symptoms
- You have a fever higher than 100.4 F
- You are experiencing shortness of breath or wheezing
Here at Urgentology Care, we have the technology and experience to treat your symptoms, regardless of the time of day or year. You do not need to make an appointment to see a doctor at our clinic, so please come in right away if you think you have bronchitis and it isn’t getting better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronchitis Treatment in Arlington
How can I tell the difference between bronchitis and a regular cold or flu?
While the initial symptoms of bronchitis, a cold, and the flu can overlap (cough, fatigue, sore throat), bronchitis is often characterized by a persistent, deep cough that can last for weeks, sometimes producing thick mucus. A cold typically has milder symptoms that resolve quickly, while the flu often presents with more severe body aches, fever, and exhaustion. If your cough is lingering for more than a week, or you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or a high fever, it's advisable to get evaluated at Urgentology Care in Arlington to determine if it's bronchitis or another respiratory condition.
Will I need antibiotics for my bronchitis, and how long will recovery take?
Not necessarily. Acute bronchitis is most commonly caused by viruses, meaning antibiotics (which only treat bacterial infections) are generally not effective and can even contribute to antibiotic resistance if misused. Urgentology Care will accurately diagnose the cause of your bronchitis and only prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. For viral bronchitis, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the severity of the bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days to two to three weeks, though the cough may persist longer. Chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Your Urgentology Care provider will give you a clear understanding of your specific prognosis and recovery expectations.
You can call (817) 799-7273 or schedule an appointment online to avoid the wait time and learn more about our treatments for bronchitis in Arlington, TX. We offer same-day appointments!
