Some illnesses require more recovery time than others, and especially bronchitis and pneumonia. The latter may take a month or longer before you feel like yourself, but without the proper diagnosis, you may continue pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion, which only makes things worse in the end. At American Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics in Wildwood, FL, we can provide the immediate care you need with shortened wait times and onsite diagnostic tools.
What Is Bronchitis?
- Acute, which can last as long as 90 days
- Chronic, which can last for months or even years
- Infectious, which often develops in the winter
- Irritative, caused by exposure to environmental irritants
Acute episodes happen the most frequently and can be caused by irritating substances, an infection, or particles in the air. Smoking can also lead to repeated attacks – cigarettes prevent mucus in the airways from draining well. Others at risk of acute episodes include people who don’t properly eat, children with enlarged tonsils, and patients with chronic allergies or infections.
Recognizable Symptoms
While symptoms may vary slightly from person to person, the most common include:
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- A runny nose
- A fever between 100 and 101 degrees F
- Dry coughing that later presents mucus
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
What Is Pneumonia?
When it comes to symptoms, bronchitis and pneumonia initially seem similar. Both cause fatigue, fever, cough, and a heavy feeling in the chest, and the former can progress into the latter.
But the conditions are quite different. Bronchitis involves the bronchial tubes, while pneumonia inflames air sacs in the lungs known as alveoli. The air sacs can fill with fluid or pus that make breathing difficult. Symptoms of the latter are often much worse and can be life-threatening, especially in older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Symptoms can range significantly, from so mild that they’re barely discernible to so severe that patients require hospitalization. Your body’s response depends on the culprit behind the infection, your overall health, and your age. Signs to watch for include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fever, sweating, and chills
- Cough that produces yellow, green, or even bloody mucus
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Low energy and fatigue
- Chest pains that get worse with breathing or coughing
Different Varieties
Bacterial is the most common form and tends to be more serious than other types, often presenting symptoms that require medical care. And in speaking of symptoms, they can develop gradually or abruptly. Fever may climb as high as 105 degrees F and be accompanied by rapid breathing, an increased pulse rate, and profuse sweating. A lack of oxygen in the blood may even cause lips and nailbeds to turn slightly blue.
The symptoms of viral pneumonia take several days to develop. The earliest signs mimic influenza with muscle pain, general weakness, headache, fever, and a dry cough. The symptoms then grow worse within a day or two, causing muscle pain, shortness of breath, and a worsening cough. A high fever may additionally be present.
The Problem of Inconsistency
Different populations can present different symptoms. For instance, newborns and infants may show no signs of infection or might be plagued by symptoms that are present with any number of illnesses. These include:
- A lack of energy
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Fever
- Cough
- Vomiting
The same is true of older adults or those with compromised immune systems. They may present fewer and milder symptoms or even have lower than normal temperatures. Older adults may also undergo abrupt changes in mental awareness and seem confused.
When to Visit Urgent Care
Again, the symptoms of both illnesses are similar and therefore make it difficult to know which you have. Although these infections are often associated with cold weather, they can affect people of all ages in any season. It’s best to contact our office if any symptoms you’re experiencing don’t improve within a week. You should come in sooner if you have:
- A change in mucus color
- A cough that produces blood
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- A fever that persists more than five days
- A fever that climbs higher than 102 degrees F
It’s especially important that children or elderly patients get the care they need when lung illness is suspected. And patients with chest pain, a bluish tinge in their lips or fingertips, or breathing difficulty should be seen immediately.
Making Lifestyle Changes
If you have repeated bouts of either infection, simple lifestyle changes can promote improved health. For instance, it’s important you manage your emotional health by going outside, enjoying a full night of sleep, and staying involved with friends. Also, manage stress by practicing relaxation methods like reading, exercising, and or gardening. Any activity is fine as long as it gives you a chance to unwind.
Last but not least, eat well. This can be oversimplified by recommending you choose wholesome foods over those that are processed. Also enjoy fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Treatment Options
Each illness is treated in a specific way. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis, while antiviral drugs can be helpful for that caused by a virus. Bronchodilators that open the bronchi may be recommended to reduce wheezing and open airways. Likewise, corticosteroids administered in an inhaler may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and help eliminate cough.
Similar to the protocol mentioned above, pneumonia caused by bacteria may be treated with an antibiotic. Antiviral medication may be recommended when the illness is viral, although symptom management and rest may be all that’s needed. We may additionally recommend you avoid smoking, drink plenty of fluids, and rest.
The Care You Need When You Need It
With similar symptoms and the risk of serious complications, it’s best to receive a diagnosis if you suspect any illness in your lungs. We can run the proper tests and prescribe medication that will help get you back on your feet. And our care is available right when you need it, including in the evenings and on weekends. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
