Suffering through painful coughing, muscle aches, sore throats, and more can be very scary when you’re unsure of what you may have. During cold and flu season, Bronchitis and Pneumonia are both very common ailments. If you think you or a loved one may have either, please seek help from a medical professional to determine which you may be suffering from.
Bronchitis is more frequent during the cold and flu season and tends to develop after a common cold or other upper respiratory infection. Please schedule an appointment below or walk-in to one of our local urgent care centers today for a diagnosis and treatment!
Bronchitis & Pneumonia Symptoms
Some of the symptoms between bronchitis and pneumonia are shared, making it very important to see a doctor to determine which you may have. The most common symptoms of Bronchitis include, but are not limited to:
-
Painful Coughing
-
Wheezing
-
Fever and/or Chills
-
Muscle Aches
-
Sore Throat
-
Nasal Congestion
-
Fatigue
As the more severe, and occasionally life-threatening, of the two, some of the symptoms of Pneumonia are:
​
-
Shaking Chills
-
High Fever
-
Chest Pain
-
Coughing
-
Nausea
-
Shortness of Breath
Bronchitis Treatment
There are several steps to treating Bronchitis, especially when identifying the difference between it and Pneumonia. The first identifying step is performing an X-ray on the chest area to see what shape your lungs are in.
After an x-ray, your doctor will likely take a sputum culture, to test for the presence of bacteria that would indicate Bronchitis. Next, they will likely perform a pulmonary function test to check for signs of asthma or emphysema.
Once all of their testing is complete, they will prescribe the appropriate medications to help suppress your coughing, wheezing, fever, and other symptoms. Finally, monitoring your symptoms will be important to ensure you are getting better over time.
Pneumonia Treatment
If pneumonia is suspected, you would be promptly evaluated and treated by our experienced medical professionals. Upon examination and a thorough assessment of symptoms, a chest X-ray may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically includes prescribing appropriate antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection causing pneumonia. Additionally, symptomatic relief may be provided to manage fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Our urgent care team will closely monitor your progress and ensure you receive the necessary care and support for a smooth recovery. If needed, we will also offer guidance on home care measures and follow-up appointments for continued monitoring.
Please note, with your optimal care in mind, if your injury is severe, the Local MD team may refer you to a local emergency room.