Making the Diagnosis
Acute bronchitis is diagnosed by a doctor after a physical examination and
discussion of your symptoms. This diagnosis is likely if you have a persistent
cough, are spitting up yellow or green mucus, and have recently had a lung infection
or a cold. Chronic bronchitis is also diagnosed after your doctor has done a
careful physical exam and has asked about the overall history of your health.
Your doctor may want you to have pulmonary function tests to assess how
well your lungs are working. In either case, if your doctor suspects other problems
such as emphysema, a chest X-ray will be ordered. Sputum samples may also be
analyzed to identify any infectious organisms in the airways, although these
are less useful.