Bronchitis - Diagnosis

To diagnose bronchitis, the doctor will ask about the symptoms and in particular the cough (how frequent you cough and whether it produce mucus). He will also ask questions related to your medical history, whether you have recently suffered from a cold or flu, whether you smoke, or whether you have been exposed to substances such as dust, fumes, vapors, or chemical solvents.

During the physical exam, the doctor will use a stethoscope to listen for any abnormal sounds in the lungs. They may also examine mucus or test the oxygen levels in the blood and may recommend a chest X-ray, pulmonary lung function test, or blood tests.