If you have bronchitis, you may not need to see your GP unless your symptoms are very severe (for more information, see the Symptoms section). However, if you do see your GP they will usually be able to diagnose you by asking you about your symptoms and listening to your chest using a stethoscope.
In some cases, your GP may need to rule out or confirm an alternative diagnosis, such as pneumonia (an infection which causes inflammation in your lungs), as the symptoms are similar to those of bronchitis. If your GP thinks you may have pneumonia, you may need to have a chest X-ray. Your GP may also take a sample of mucus for testing.
If your GP thinks that you may have an undiagnosed underlying condition, such as asthma or emphysema (damage to the small airways in your lungs), they may also suggest a pulmonary function test (PFT). Your GP will ask you to take a deep breath and blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures the volume of air in your lungs. A decreased lung capacity can indicate an underlying health problem.
