Pneumonia and Bronchitis Treatment in Rockville, MD

Both pneumonia and bronchitis are respiratory infections that share some common symptoms but also have distinct characteristics that help in their diagnosis and treatment.

• Pneumonia typically presents with more severe symptoms compared to bronchitis. Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
• Cough: Often productive, meaning it brings up mucus or phlegm, and can be accompanied by blood in some cases.
• Fever: A high fever is common, often with chills.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath, especially with physical activity.
• Chest pain: Sharp or stabbing pain that may worsen when coughing or breathing deeply.
• Fatigue and weakness: Feeling fatigued even with minimal activity.
• Confusion: Especially in older adults, pneumonia can cause confusion or an altered mental status.
• Sweating and shaking chills: A sign of the body trying to fight the infection.
• Bronchitis, on the other hand, tends to have milder symptoms and often results from a viral infection. Key symptoms of bronchitis include:
• Cough: A Persistent cough that may last for weeks. It can be dry or produce mucus.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy.
• Mild fever and chills: Less common than pneumonia, but still possible.
• Shortness of breath: May occur, especially with physical exertion.
• Chest discomfort: A feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound when breathing, which is more prominent in bronchitis than in pneumonia.
• Sore throat: In some cases, bronchitis may be accompanied by throat irritation or soreness.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, and our dedicated team can help assess your symptoms and provide the right treatment for pneumonia or bronchitis, ensuring effective relief and a faster recovery.

Doctors diagnose pneumonia and bronchitis through a combination of a patient’s medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. When diagnosing pneumonia, the doctor typically begins by reviewing symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. During the physical exam, a healthcare provider will listen to the lungs with a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds, such as crackling or wheezing, which may indicate fluid or infection in the lungs. In some cases, a chest X-ray is ordered to assess the extent of lung infection or inflammation. Blood tests may also be used to check for signs of infection, and sputum cultures can help identify the specific bacteria or virus causing the pneumonia.

For bronchitis, the diagnosis is usually based on the patient’s symptoms and physical examination. The doctor will inquire about the duration and nature of the cough, whether it is productive (producing mucus) or dry, and whether there are associated symptoms such as fever or chest discomfort. A physical exam will help determine if there is wheezing or other signs of airway obstruction. If the bronchitis is suspected to be viral, the doctor may diagnose it without additional tests, but in more complicated cases, additional tests such as a chest X-ray or pulmonary function tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions like pneumonia or asthma.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, our team uses a comprehensive approach to accurately diagnose pneumonia and bronchitis. We offer diagnostic tools, including X-rays and lab tests, to ensure that you receive the right treatment for effective relief and recovery.

There is a pneumonia vaccination, along with other types of vaccinations, that can help prevent an infection from viruses and bacteria that contribute to pneumonia and bronchitis. These vaccinations include:

• Pneumococcus
• Influenza (flu)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Measles
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pertussis (whooping cough)

Along with these, bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. Which type depends on what bacteria you are fighting and how severe the infection is. Sometimes it is necessary to switch antibiotics throughout the course of treatment, especially if you don’t experience any relief or if the symptoms get worse.

Viral pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics. To treat it, your provider might recommend several drugs commonly used to treat influenza. However, these only offer relief for symptoms while your body fights the virus on its own. People with viral pneumonia sometimes have underlying bacterial infections, so they might need to take antibiotics for that as well.

Because bronchitis usually develops from a viral infection, antibiotics may not be helpful as a treatment for the ailment. However, if your provider suspects a bacterial infection, antibiotics will help treat bronchitis symptoms. In most cases, your provider will prescribe plenty of fluids, rest, and sometimes an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen, to help control the fever. Cough-suppressing medications can help you breathe easier and relieve inflammation in your throat and lungs.

Inhalers, vaporizers, and humidifiers may also help alleviate bronchial issues. These can help warm and moisten the air, which can reduce coughing and make breathing easier. Finally, if you smoke, quitting would greatly decrease future bronchial problems.

If pneumonia and bronchitis are left untreated, they can lead to serious complications that may require hospitalization or even be life-threatening. In the case of pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs, untreated bacterial infections can spread, causing severe breathing difficulties, sepsis, or a lung abscess. As the infection spreads, it can damage lung tissue and lead to a long recovery period or permanent lung damage. Pneumonia can also increase the risk of respiratory failure, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, or those with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma.

Bronchitis, which involves inflammation of the airways, can also become more severe if not properly treated. Acute bronchitis is often caused by viral infections, and while it may improve over time, untreated symptoms can last for weeks and lead to persistent coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. If acute bronchitis is left untreated, it can develop into chronic bronchitis, a long-term condition that leads to ongoing inflammation and damage to the airways. Chronic bronchitis is particularly dangerous for smokers or individuals with compromised immune systems, as it can result in irreversible lung damage and increased risk of developing pneumonia.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, our team is here to help diagnose and treat pneumonia and bronchitis early, preventing complications and ensuring a faster recovery. Our clinic is equipped to provide immediate care and the proper treatment needed to address these respiratory infections before they worsen.

Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, offers over 21 years of experience in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis. With his extensive background in urgent care, Dr. Olisemeka takes a thorough, patient-centered approach to assess the severity of these conditions. He provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the right care for a swift recovery. Whether the cause is bacterial, viral, or environmental, Dr. Olisemeka uses the latest medical techniques and diagnostic tools to accurately identify and treat your condition.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, Dr. Olisemeka and his compassionate team focus on delivering high-quality, efficient care in a comfortable setting. His expertise and commitment to patient well-being ensure that you receive prompt relief from pneumonia or bronchitis symptoms. Dr. Olisemeka is dedicated to not only treating the infection but also educating patients on proper aftercare to prevent recurrence and promote long-term lung health. You can trust Dr. Olisemeka to provide exceptional care for your respiratory health needs.

Contact us today for more information. Our urgent care is conveniently located at 15215 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD.