Bronchitis Treatment Doctor in Palm Bay, FL

Bronchitis and Pneumonia can both be very dangerous! While the two illnesses share similar symptoms, they require different treatment plans, and a correct diagnosis is a key to helping you start feeling better. Learn how to tell the difference between the two.

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is generally viral in nature and often develops after an upper respiratory illness, such as a cold or flu. The condition is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes (the airways of the lungs), which leads to excess mucus production and coughing. Symptoms include:

• Cough, with or without mucus production
• Soreness or discomfort in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Mild fever and chills
• Headache and body aches

Acute bronchitis will usually go away on its own and antibiotics are not recommended for treatment. To feel better, get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most symptoms will subside within a week, though your cough may persist for several weeks.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia feels similar to bronchitis but is a much more serious illness. It is an infection of the alveoli– the air sacs in the lungs that transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. The alveoli become inflamed and may fill with fluid or pus. Because the condition affects your oxygen supply, it can severely compromise the organs and tissues in your body.

Symptoms vary based on your age, overall health, and what’s causing the infection, but generally include:

• Cough, with or without mucus production
• Sharp chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating, and shaking chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Adults age 65 and older may also experience:

• Confusion or changes in mental awareness
• Lower than normal body temperature

Treatment for pneumonia depends on your age, overall health, and the type and severity of your illness. Options include antibiotics, over-the-counter cough medicines, and fever reducers/pain relievers.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that indicate pneumonia, head into our clinic today. Our medical team can help diagnose your illness and determine the best treatment plan for you asap before further complications set in!

Yes, the primary care clinic provides care for patients with bronchitis. Your walk-in clinic provider will have the skills and knowledge to treat your symptoms. You can also come to see the urgent care and walk-in clinic at Restore Health Urgent Care to find relief for bronchitis.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with both forms of bronchitis include a productive cough (lots of mucus), chest discomfort, excess mucus production, wheezing, and flu-like symptoms such as chills and fever. Many doctors will simply recommend getting an adequate amount of rest and increasing fluid intake for the treatment of acute bronchitis. However, sometimes doctors may prescribe medications for the treatment of acute bronchitis. Treatment for chronic bronchitis can include the following:

• Bronchodilators or steroids for minimizing mucus production and opening the airways
• Oxygen therapy
• The use of a humidifier to help loosen mucus and open the airways
• Medication aimed at relieving the cough and inflamed airways

Breathe Steam — The easiest way to do this is by taking a hot shower. Alternatively, you can pour steaming-hot water into a bowl and lean over it while draping a towel over your head. The inhalation of steam will help loosen the secretions in your lungs. To make the steam treatment even more effective, add a few drops of pine oil or eucalyptus to the water.

Use Eucalyptus or Pine Oil — Eucalyptus helps to soften mucus in obstructed airways and has some antibacterial properties. (If you want to use eucalyptus leaves, simply boil them in a pot of water, then remove them from the heat and inhale the steam.) Pine oil acts as an expectorant, so it will help you ‘bring up’ phlegm from the bronchial tubes.

Stay Hydrated — To thin mucus and help you cough it up more easily, drink lots of water, at least eight 10oz glasses, that’s 80oz each day! To keep track easier, buy a water bottle if you don’t already have one, just make sure that it is BPA-free. Fluids you should avoid are alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which dehydrate your system and make the mucus tougher to dislodge.

Eat Spicy Foods — Eat hot salsa, spicy peppers like chili or jalapeño, or dishes prepared with cayenne pepper. Spicy foods do more than just make your nose run — they also thin the mucus in your airways, helping you cough more productively.

Use Herbal Supplements — Echinacea and astragalus are herbs that strengthen the immune system and help you fight off bacteria and viruses.

Eat Foods High in Antioxidants — Eat foods high in antioxidants, such as small red beans, wild blueberries, red kidney beans, pinto beans, cultivated blueberries, cranberries, artichokes, blackberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, red delicious apples, pecans, sweet cherries, black plums, russet potatoes, black beans, plums, gala apples, and dark leafy greens.

Yes, we accept walk-in patients for bronchitis! The primary care clinic of Restore Health Urgent Care takes great pride in its ability to effectively treat patients with bronchitis. They help provide you with relief and care to get you on the road to recovery.

If you or someone you know has bronchitis or is exhibiting its symptoms, come to Restore Health Urgent Care today! Our kind and compassionate staff are experienced in treating bronchitis and can provide you with the alleviation you need. To talk with a member of our specialist team, call us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1840 Eldron Blvd SE. Suite 1 Palm Bay, FL 32909. We serve patients from Palm Bay FL, Malabar FL, Mintons Corner FL, West Melbourne, FL, June Park FL, Melbourne Village, FL, and surrounding areas.