Bronchitis Treatment Specialist in Kingwood, WV

At MedBridge, our experienced healthcare providers use a thorough and personalized approach to diagnose bronchitis, ensuring you receive the most accurate evaluation and effective care.

Your session begins with an in-depth discussion about your symptoms. Our clinicians will ask about your cough, mucus production, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and whether you’ve experienced any fever. We also review your medical history, including exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke or chemical fumes, and any recent respiratory illnesses.

During your physical exam, our providers listen carefully to your lungs using a stethoscope to detect any abnormal breath sounds, such as wheezing or crackles, which may indicate inflammation. We also assess your breathing pattern and look for signs of respiratory distress.

In most cases, our team can diagnose acute bronchitis based on your symptoms and physical examination alone. However, if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or if there’s uncertainty regarding the diagnosis, we may recommend additional tests. This may include a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions, or a sputum test if you’re producing mucus to check for bacterial infection. For patients with a history of chronic bronchitis or underlying lung disease, we may also perform lung function tests to evaluate their respiratory health.

Our goal is to provide a clear diagnosis through a combination of your reported symptoms, careful physical assessment, and, when necessary, specific diagnostic tests. We are committed to helping you breathe easier and recover faster with a tailored treatment plan based on your unique needs.

We understand the importance of accurately diagnosing and managing both acute and chronic bronchitis, which are conditions involving inflammation of the bronchial tubes—the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. While these conditions share some characteristics, they are distinct in their causes, duration, and treatment approaches.

Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition that often develops suddenly, usually after a cold or other respiratory infection. Our clinicians recognize that most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, though bacterial infections can also play a role. Typical symptoms include a persistent cough, mucus production, fatigue, and sometimes mild fever or chest discomfort. This form of bronchitis generally resolves within a few days to weeks as the infection clears. Our team focuses on relieving your symptoms and supporting a quick recovery, with guidance on when further care might be necessary.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long-term illness and a key component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is defined by a cough with mucus production lasting for at least three months in two consecutive years. The primary cause is ongoing irritation and damage to the airways, most commonly from smoking, but also from long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, or toxic chemicals. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is not caused by an infection and can worsen over time, leading to breathing difficulties and increased risk of respiratory infections. We provide comprehensive management plans to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and help slow the progression of lung damage. This includes smoking cessation programs, medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and regular follow-up care.

Bronchitis, especially the acute form most commonly caused by viral infections, often improves on its own without the need for antibiotics. Many healthy patients recover within a few days to a couple of weeks, as their immune system clears the virus. During this time, symptoms like cough, mild fever, and chest discomfort usually subside with supportive self-care, such as rest, hydration, and using a humidifier.

However, not all cases of bronchitis should be managed at home. We encourage patients to seek professional evaluation if symptoms are severe, persist beyond two weeks, or are accompanied by warning signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, or coughing up blood. These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or underlying condition that requires immediate attention.

It is also important to consult us if you have a chronic medical condition, a weakened immune system, or are experiencing frequent bouts of bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis, which is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), does not resolve on its own and requires ongoing medical management. Our team can help create a care plan tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment and support.

While most cases of acute bronchitis are mild and self-limiting, monitoring your symptoms and consulting our healthcare professionals ensures your recovery is safe and complete. If you have any concerns about your respiratory health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice and care.

Your health and well-being are our top priorities. While most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses and often improve on their own within a couple of weeks, it is important to know when professional medical care is needed.

You should contact us if you experience any of the following:

– Symptoms that are severe or do not improve after about three weeks
– Repeated episodes of bronchitis, which could indicate a more serious underlying condition

Additionally, seek prompt care at MedBridge if you notice:

– A high or persistent fever
– Coughing up blood or thick, greenish, or yellow mucus
– Shortness of breath or chest pain
– Trouble breathing or wheezing that does not improve with your usual treatments
– Symptoms that are worsening rapidly

These symptoms could be signs of a more serious problem, such as pneumonia or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. If you are an older adult, have chronic heart or lung conditions, or a weakened immune system, complications from bronchitis can develop more easily. We provide comprehensive evaluation and care tailored to your specific needs.

Dr. Sanjay Bharti, MD, at MedBridge WV, is your go-to specialist for managing and treating acute and chronic bronchitis. Utilizing his deep medical knowledge, Dr. Bharti focuses on accurate diagnosis and creating personalized care plans, which may include medication management, lifestyle adjustments, and follow-up care to minimize symptoms and prevent recurrence. He’s committed to restoring your respiratory health and comfort.

If your symptoms are not improving, are getting worse, or you are experiencing any unusual or severe signs, we encourage you to contact MedBridge. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment today. We are conveniently located at 411 Morgantown St., Kingwood, WV 26537. We serve patients from Fairmont WV, Mannington WV, Kingwood WV, White Hall WV, Pleasant Valley WV, Monongah WV, Barrackville WV, Metz WV, Terra Alta WV, Anderson WV, and surrounding areas.