How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed?
Your doctor usually will diagnose bronchitis based
on your signs and symptoms. He or she may ask questions about your cough, such
as how long youve had it, what youre coughing up, and how much you
cough.
Your doctor also will likely ask:
- About your medical history
- Whether youve recently had a cold or the
flu
- Whether you smoke or spend time around others who
smoke
- Whether youve been exposed to air
pollution, dust, or fumes
Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen for
wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe) or other abnormal
sounds in your lungs. He or she also may:
- Look at your mucus to see whether you have a
bacterial infection
- Test the oxygen levels in your blood using a
sensor attached to your fingertip or toe
- Order a
chest
x ray,
lung
function tests, or
blood
tests
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