The first step to getting bronchitis diagnosed is to see your
family physician or family pediatrician. Bronchitis is a
relatively common illness, so your family physician should be
able to make an accurate diagnoses. Information about symptoms,
medical history, recent colds, and whether or not you smoke or
have been exposed to irritating substances are all relevant to a
diagnosis. Of course, the severity of your coughs, and how often
you cough, will be of particular interest to your doctor. Your
doctor will probably begin the exam with a medical history. S/He
will ask specific questions about symptoms such as: With this
information, and your general medical history, your doctor may
then order a physical exam. Your doctor might want to determine
your oxygen levels by using a finger- or toe-attached sensor,
for example. Or make an examination of expectorated mucus.
Finally, s/he may listen to the lungs using a stethoscope. After
a physical exam your doctor may recommend further testing,
particularly if your doc