Bronchitis may warrant a visit to an urgent care facility if:
- your cough doesn’t improve or resolve within 3 weeks
- you have difficulty breathing or feel shortness of breath without physical activity
- your symptoms worsen after 2 to 3 days (or later)
- you cough-up blood
- your temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or above (low grade fever is common and not an emergency in most cases)
- you start breathing faster
- you have tachycardia (high heart rate)
Young children, older adults (ages 65 years and older), and those with conditions that cause weakened immune systems may need to go to urgent care within the first 7 days of having symptoms or if symptoms worsen after 3 days.
These respiratory and related symptoms may require a visit to a healthcare professional:
- persistent productive cough (with mucus)
- chest pressure or pain
- fatigue or low energy that isn’t related to physical activity
- low grade fever (below 100.4°F/38°C)
- wheezing when you cough or talk
- shortness of breath (feeling out of breath or having difficulty breathing)
If these symptoms worsen, it is a good idea to visit an urgent care facility instead.
Acute (short-term) bronchitis develops slowly over a few days and may resolve on its own within 2 weeks. During this time, symptoms usually ease gradually until they subside completely. But if symptoms worsen, don’t wait for a doctor’s appointment and visit an urgent care facility instead.
Chronic bronchitis develops with continual exposure to the same irritants that caused bronchitis in the first place. This could be a virus, bacteria, or something you may be allergic to, like dust. Chronic (long-term) bronchitis is when you have symptoms for 3 months or longer. If symptoms are not severe, you may want to visit a healthcare professional like a family doctor. If the condition worsens, it’s a good idea to go to urgent care.
Doctors recommend the following people visit a healthcare professional 2-3 days after symptoms of bronchitis first develop:
- babies and infants
- older adults
- people with asthma
- those with heart conditions
- adults living with lung disease
- cancer patients and survivors
- people recovering from surgery or chronic conditions
- pregnant people
A diagnosis can help you get the support you need, like medications and home remedies for symptom relief. It can also rule out other conditions and monitor the development of potential complications, like chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.
Both chronic bronchitis and pneumonia