The initial symptoms of bronchitis resemble those of other diseases, a proper diagnosis should therefore be done. The most common symptoms include an expectorant cough, fatigue, fever, chest pains, wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms resemble symptoms of many other respiratory tract diseases such as pneumonia, asthma and flu.
For an informed decision, a bronchitis diagnosis is necessary. This will further reveal the exact cause of the illness. The cause can either be a viral or bacteria infection. The bronchitis diagnosis includes tests done to the sputum, blood and chest x-rays. A patient who presents an expectorant cough and breathlessness which are the main symptoms, has to undergo tests to confirm the exact disease they are suffering from.
A chest x-ray is performed in some cases. This usually reveals if the bronchitis has progressed to pneumonia. A sputum test shows neutrophil granulocytes which are the inflammatory white blood cells. These usually have pathogens in case of an infection. Blood test done would indicate an infection if the white blood count is more. When these diagnosis are complete, a doctor is well able to decide what kind of an infection one has.
Bronchitis diagnosis also helps rule out which pathogens are at play. Medication can start immediately after a diagnosis. These include bronchodilaters, antibiotics and expectorant cough syrup. The antibiotics are used if the infection is as a result of bacteria pathogens. Self bronchitis diagnosis and treatment is not advised. This may lead to the condition not being fully treated. The result is advancement of the condition to pneumonia and asthma. The prescribed medication should be taken as ordered by the doctor.
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">Causes of Bronchitis
