Bronchitis is a common respiratory illness, and it usually isn’t too serious in and of itself. However, it can lead to worse things, like pneumonia, when left untreated or not treated quickly. How often does this happen, though?

Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team provides some helpful answers below.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is when the bronchioles, the air-carrying tubes in the lungs, become infected and make too much mucus. Additionally, there are two types of bronchitis: chronic and acute.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchioles, and acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation of the bronchioles. Chronic bronchitis is often caused by smoking cigarettes and isn’t usually contagious, but acute bronchitis, on the other hand, is usually caused by a virus (like influenza) and can happen at any time. We’ve listed some ways you can lower your risk of developing bronchitis below as we approach flu season.

Ways to Prevent Bronchitis

• Avoid being in close contact with anyone who’s sick.
• Avoid sharing glasses or utensils with someone who has bronchitis, a cold or the flu.
• Don’t touch used tissue, since viruses that cause bronchitis can be spread through mucus.
• Get the flu shot annually.
• Wash your hands often in warm, soapy water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.

Is It Likely to Get Pneumonia?

It’s possible, but bronchitis usually turns into pneumonia when symptoms are left untreated or undiagnosed for longer than they need to be. So, if you experience symptoms like a cough, a production of mucus, chest discomfort and/or shortness of breath, it’s important to visit our AFC center quickly to get treated for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

There are some people who have a greater pneumonia risk regardless of how quickly bronchitis has been diagnosed, however, and we’ve listed them below.

Those With a Greater Pneumonia Risk

• Are under the age of 2 or over the age of 65
• Have had a stroke
• Have difficulty swallowing
• Have asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart failure or other chronic medical conditions
• Have very limited mobility
• Are taking medications that affect the immune system
• Are receiving treatment or therapy for cancer
• Smoke or take certain illicit drugs
• Drink alcohol to excess

Think you may have bronchitis? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville center to get the treatment you need!