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May 21, 2013
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Bronchitis (cont.)

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Bronchitis Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose bronchitis on the basis of symptoms and a physical examination.

  • Usually no blood tests are necessary.
  • If the doctor suspects the patient has pneumonia, a chest X-ray may be ordered.
  • Doctors may measure the patient's oxygen saturation (how well oxygen is reaching blood cells) using a sensor placed on a finger. This is referred to as pulse oximetry.
  • Sometimes a doctor may order an examination and/or culture of a sample of phlegm that is coughed up to look for bacteria.

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Bronchitis - Length Symptoms Lasted

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

How long did the symptoms of your bronchitis last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief?

Bronchitis - Diagnosis

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

How was your bronchitis diagnosed?

Bronchitis - Symptoms

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What symptoms did you experience with your bronchitis?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Bronchitis »

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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