The health care provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Abnormal sounds in the lungs called rales or other abnormal breathing sounds may be heard.

Tests may include:

• Chest x-ray
• Lung function tests provide information that is useful for diagnosis and your outlook.
• Pulse oximetry helps determine the amount of oxygen in your blood. This quick and painless test uses a device that is placed onto the end of your finger. Arterial blood gas is a more exact measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, but it requires a needle stick and is more painful.
• Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.

You DO NOT need antibiotics for acute bronchitis caused by a virus. The infection will generally go away on its own within 1 week. Take the following steps for some relief:

• Do not smoke
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Rest
• Take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have a fever. DO NOT give aspirin to children
• Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom

If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler to open your airways. If your doctor thinks that you have a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.

For chronic bronchitis, the most important step you can take is to QUIT smoking. If caught early enough, you can reverse the damage to your lungs. Other important steps include:

• Limit your exposure to pollutants and other lung irritants.
• Get a flu vaccine each year and a pneumococcal vaccine as directed by your doctor.
• Attend a respiratory training program that includes physical activity and breathing exercises. Your doctor can recommend a medically appropriate and well-supervised program. If it is early in the disease process, you can likely exercise on your own. Talk to your doctor about safety.

Your doctor will usually prescribe inhaled medicines for chronic bronchitis. These drugs, which include bronchodilators like albuterol and ipratropium, open your airways and help clear mucus. A bronchodilator taken by mouth (theophylline) and steroids (either inhaled or by mouth) are often necessary as well. If you have an active infection, your doctor will put you on antibiotics. You may also need antibiotics to prevent infection.

If you have low oxygen levels, home oxygen will be used.