Are you having shortness of breath, cough, and fever? If yes, chances are you may have developed a chest infection called bronchitis. Respiratory disease occurs when the bronchial tubes of the lungs get inflamed. It can happen due to viral infection or environmental pollutants. It can be acute or chronic. While acute bronchitis goes away on its own; chronic bronchitis is persistent and severe. Early diagnosis helps you manage those symptoms properly with treatment. Learn the diagnosis of bronchitis in this article. Contact the best pulmonologist in Brooklyn by visiting Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center.

Bronchitis Diagnosis

During the first few days of illness, it’s difficult to distinguish between the signs and symptoms of bronchitis and the common cold. A doctor will check your symptoms by performing a physical exam, your doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to your lungs as you breathe to detect abnormal sounds such as wheezing.

The doctor may ask questions about your symptoms, like how long you had your symptoms. What kind of mucus do you have during coughing? How much do you cough? Do you have a fever or other symptoms like chest tightness? Do you have trouble breathing? Do people around you have the same types of symptoms?

The doctor may recommend other tests to confirm the type of bronchitis or to detect conditions that cause similar symptoms like viral infections. These are:

1. Chest X-ray: This is the most common diagnostic test used to diagnose respiratory conditions. The doctor uses it to determine if you have pneumonia or another condition that may be causing your cough. It can also reveal signs of inflammation or infection in the lungs which help to diagnose bronchitis. The doctor may recommend this test if you have a fever along with your symptoms or are currently a smoker.
2. Pulmonary Function tests (PFTs): These tests are used when your healthcare provider thinks you have chronic bronchitis. These tests assess your lung function with a spirometer, which measures how much air your lungs can hold and release quickly. This test can evaluate the severity of bronchitis and identify other respiratory issues like asthma and emphysema.
3. Sputum cultures: If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest this test. In this test, they take a sample of the mucus you cough (sputum) and send it to the lab for testing to look for the signs of virus or bacteria. It is caused by an allergy or whooping cough (pertussis), which is a very contagious bacterial infection. Serious symptoms may need another test.
4. Blood tests: There is no specific blood test used to diagnose bronchitis, however, certain blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), and Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) to check the signs of infections or measure the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood.
5. Nasal swabs: Your doctor may use this test to check the signs of viral infections like COVID-19 or the flu. For this test, a doctor may use a soft-tipped stick (swab) and insert your nose to take a sample for testing.

When to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent or worsening bronchitis symptoms, especially if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other symptoms like a fever that lasts for 5 days, cough with blood, or a cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if you have other pre-existing health conditions or notice severe symptoms to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Bronchitis diagnosis includes a physical exam, chest x-rays, sputum test, blood tests, pulmonary function tests, and nasal swabs, based on your symptom’s severity and medical history. Early diagnosis and treatment lower the risk of complications and increase the chances of curing the condition. Seek help, when your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks and symptoms are severe along with breathing difficulty, chest pain, etc.

Need help with bronchitis, visit our pulmonologists in Brooklyn clinic for professional diagnosis and treatment. Call us to book your appointment today and improve your quality of life. At Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center, we offer the best possible expertise and care in all aspects of pulmonology. Visit our pulmonologists to have your signs and symptoms checked. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://pulmonologistbrooklyn.com.