During the physical exam, the provider will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope to check for any abnormal sounds that may indicate clogged airways. Sometimes physicians will order blood tests to determine if bacteria, a virus, or fungus is the cause of pneumonia.
Treatment is also dependent upon a diagnosis of acute versus chronic bronchitis. Here are some of the most common bronchitis treatments:. Pneumonia is most commonly treated with medications, though the type of medication will vary based on the underlying cause. Here are some of the most common pneumonia treatments you could speak with your doctor about:. Some people have a higher risk of getting bronchitis than others. Risk factors for bronchitis include:.
Doctors and researchers have come up with proven ways to prevent and lessen the spread of bronchitis.
These include washing hands frequently with soap and water, not smoking, avoiding irritants like secondhand smoke whenever possible, and staying up to date with vaccinations. The same precautions that prevent bronchitis can help prevent pneumonia too.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke and other irritants, and staying up to date on vaccinations are all very important. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines and several other vaccines that can prevent bacterial and viral infections that might lead to pneumonia.
People with weakened immune systems, underlying health conditions, older adults, and young children should see a doctor if they have pneumonia because pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition.
Some bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia, like the cold and flu viruses, can be contagious. If caught, they could potentially lead to pneumonia. Symptoms of acute bronchitis can last anywhere from one to two weeks, though some people may still have symptoms for up to three weeks.
Chronic bronchitis lasts for at least three months and can persist for several years on and off. For some people, chronic bronchitis will never completely go away. Pneumonia may similarly be accompanied by a fever — although the fever may be high, unlike bronchitis. Pneumonia may also cause confusion, clammy or sweaty skin, headache, malaise, loss of appetite, sharp chest pain, or leukonychia white nail syndrome.
Unlike bronchitis, pneumonia can be life-threatening. Most people with walking pneumonia can go about their daily activities as normal. Pneumonia affects how air is distributed to blood cells. When cells do not get enough oxygen, they cannot function properly.
As a result, the infection may spread and become deadly. Your doctor may also be able to identify pneumonia by the sounds of crackling, wheezing, or bubbling in your chest. Complications can arise from either a cold or the flu, especially in the very young, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems. While your doctor is the best resource for making a conclusive identification of your illness, keep an eye out for symptoms at home if you have a cold or the flu.
Only you know how you feel. If you have any doubts at all, it may be best to consult your doctor in order to rule out potentially serious conditions. Most healthy people can recover from either bronchitis or pneumonia within a few weeks of treatment. However, complications can arise from either a cold or the flu. The sooner that you seek treatment, the shorter your recovery time will be!
Blog Home. Other questions related to Bronchitis Are there any natural remedies for bronchitis? How long does bronchitis last? Is bronchitis common in infants? Is bronchitis contagious? What is the treatment plan if my child has bronchitis?
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