Urgent Care Services

Chest Cold and Chronic Bronchitis Test and Treatment

We have reliable physicians who can diagnose and treat bronchitis, be it acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis. We have:

  • pulse oximeters to measure your oxygen levels
  • oxygen tanks to give you additional oxygen if needed
  • nebulizer treatment machines to help loosen mucus and open airways

We help rule out other respiratory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our bronchitis test and diagnosis involve:

  • chest x-rays
  • sputum tests
  • pulmonary function tests

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acute bronchitis often gets better on its own. It may not need bronchitis treatment or antibiotics. You need to consult a doctor if you are experiencing more than chest cold symptoms. A bloody runny nose, an ear infection, and a weak immune system need immediate medical attention. Let our trained emergency room professionals evaluate you.

During the pandemic, this is even more critical. It is important to boost your immune system, drink plenty of fluids, and wash your hands regularly. COVID-19, flu, Common cold, and bronchitis have somewhat similar symptoms, such as:

  • colds
  • coughing
  • chest congestion
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble breathing

If you feel any of these, you must get evaluated at our walk-in urgent care centers as soon as possible.

We are open 365 days a year including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Come to Statcare for all your emergent care, urgent care, and medical needs, including physicals and vaccinations.
We are open 365 days a year, including weekends and all holidays!

Statcare serves the Long Island residents of Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as the Bronx in NYC. If you have any questions about any conditions we treat or services we offer, call (917) 310-3371 today.

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Bronchitis / Chest Cold FAQs

A “chest cold” is an inflammation or an infection of the lower respiratory tract in the lungs that is usually preceded by an upper respiratory infection or influenza (flu/H1N1) that settled in the lungs. The term chest cold refers to a medical condition called “acute bronchitis.”

A chest cold is a common disease that occurs at any time of the year. Asthma or asthmatic bronchitis is characterized by persistent cough. It is much more common in the winter and spring months.

Chest colds are common in young adults and the elderly. People particularly at risk for developing bronchitis include smokers and those exposed to air pollutants or lung irritants, as well as those with a history of COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, congestive heart failure, and/or kidney disease.

There is a severe inflammation of the airways in the lungs called the bronchi (acute bronchitis) and the bronchioles (bronchiolitis). The bronchial tubes swell and produce mucus, which causes a person to cough. Asthma and asthmatic-type wheezing can co-exist, causing bouts of coughing especially at night.

A diagnosis of bronchitis can be delayed because symptoms may be mild or possibly attributable to other conditions that precede it or are still lingering on.

Common symptoms of bronchitis include a wet cough with mucus (white sputum or yellow phlegm), bouts of coughing, chest pain with coughing, shortness of breath, and fever with chills. A chest X-ray may or may not show evidence of an infection but can help rule out pneumonia.

Over-the-counter medications or home remedies may provide relief from some symptoms. Often, the OTC cough syrups will thicken secretions, increase mucus plugging and cause wheezing, precipitating asthma. In those predisposed to having asthma, a full blown asthma attack may follow.

A medical exam by our provider can help determine and differentiate asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, and acute bronchitis – all of which are treated differently.

Antibiotics will help shorten the duration of bacterial infections and are particularly helpful in those patients who have predisposing conditions or co-existing medical conditions. Steroids and inhalers may be needed, especially if it is asthma.

Untreated, bronchitis can last a long time. Complications of bronchitis or a chest cold include progression to pneumonia – a serious and life-threatening condition.