Bronchiolitis

Your healthcare provider can tell if you have bronchitis based on your health history and symptoms (clinical diagnosis). They’ll listen to your lungs for signs of congestion and to make sure you’re breathing well. They might test you for viral infections, like the flu or COVID-19.

What tests will be done to diagnose this condition?

There aren’t any specific tests to diagnose bronchitis, but you might be tested for other conditions. Possible tests include:

• Nasal swab. Your healthcare provider may use a soft-tipped stick (swab) in your nose to test for viruses, like COVID-19 or the flu.
• Chest X-ray. If your cough lasts for a long time, you may get a chest X-ray to rule out more serious conditions. Your healthcare provider will use a machine to get pictures of your heart and lungs. They’ll look for signs of other diseases that could cause your symptoms.
• Blood tests. Your provider may do blood tests, using a needle in your arm, to look for infections or check your overall health.
• Sputum test. Your provider may have you cough and then spit into a tube. Your sample will be tested for signs of a virus or bacteria.
• Pulmonary function tests. If your provider thinks you have chronic bronchitis, they may use a machine to test how well your lungs work.