Our Lawrenceville clinic provides appropriate care for the treatment of both types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Our Gwinnett physicians are dedicated to the accurate and compassionate treatment for patients who present with symptoms of the respiratory illness. Chronic bronchitis often appears in conjunction with emphysema, another respiratory ailment.
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term or recurrent inflammatory condition in the lungs that causes the respiratory passages to be swollen and irritated, increases the mucus production and may damage the lungs. The symptoms are coughing and breathlessness, which will get worse over the years. To be diagnosed with this condition, a chronic cough or mucus production must be present for at least three months over two consecutive years when all other causes have been ruled out.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the main airway passages to your lungs, the bronchi. Oftentimes patients will come to our Lawrenceville family practice with symptoms that include an unrelenting cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a feeling of burning in the lungs and sometimes fever. With bronchitis, coughing often brings up yellow or green mucus.
There are Two Types of Bronchitis
Chronic
Chronic bronchitis is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD and is characterized by inflamed bronchi that produce heavy amounts of mucus. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis, however breathing in fumes and other unhealthy airborne particulates over a long period of time can also cause this condition. Although chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that recurs or never completely subsides, our Gwinnett doctors have treatments available to our patients to improve breathing, diminish coughing and reduce bronchial inflammation, improving their overall feeling of wellness.
Acute
Acute bronchitis is most often caused by the same viruses that are the culprits of the common cold. Oftentimes, acute bronchitis will start as a sore throat, runny nose or appear to be a sinus infection. However, it then spreads to the airways, causing a lingering dry cough. Fortunately this type of bronchitis will usually disappear on its own, and patients can address the symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking medication for the cold-like symptoms.
If you suspect that you may have either type of bronchitis, please call Rodriguez MD today or visit our “Contact Us” page here on our site. We have extensive knowledge, experience and treatment options that can help restore your health and ease your symptoms.
