That persistent cough has been hanging on for days. You feel crummy, your chest is tight, and you’re wondering if it’s bronchitis or just a lingering cold. Before spending money on doctor visits or medications you might not need, ChatRx’s free symptom checker gives you answers in about 2 minutes.
Let me show you how to tell the difference and get clarity fast.
Why the Confusion Happens
Regular coughs from colds typically improve within 7-10 days. Bronchitis involves inflammation of your bronchial tubes and causes a deeper, more persistent cough that can last weeks.
The symptoms overlap enough that many people aren’t sure which they have. That uncertainty leads to unnecessary doctor visits or, worse, ignoring bronchitis that needs attention.
What the Free Symptom Checker Asks
ChatRx’s free symptom checker asks targeted questions that distinguish bronchitis from simple coughs. How long have you been coughing? Is it productive or dry? Any chest discomfort? Shortness of breath? Fever?
The pattern of your answers reveals whether you’re dealing with a straightforward cold cough or actual bronchitis. The AI-powered system analyzes your responses against clinical criteria I’ve developed over 30 years of treating respiratory infections.
Key Differences that Matter
Duration tells an important story. Coughs from colds usually peak around day 5-7 and start improving. Bronchitis coughs persist beyond 10 days and can last 2-3 weeks even with treatment.
Mucus characteristics help distinguish them. Regular cold coughs start with clear or white mucus. Bronchitis often produces thicker, colored mucus—yellow or green—though this isn’t always reliable for diagnosing bacterial versus viral bronchitis.
Chest discomfort is more prominent with bronchitis. You might feel a burning sensation or tightness when you breathe deeply or cough. Regular coughs might cause sore throat but less chest-focused pain.
Wheezing or shortness of breath points toward bronchitis. Your airways are inflamed and narrowed, making breathing harder. Simple coughs don’t typically cause breathing difficulty.
What Happens after Assessment
If the free symptom checker indicates likely bronchitis, you can proceed with a ChatRx e-visit for complete diagnosis and treatment plan. I’ll review your case and determine if you need antibiotics or just supportive care.
If results suggest a regular cold cough, you’ll get guidance on effective symptom management without spending money on unnecessary medical visits.
If something concerning appears in your responses—severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, or high-risk features—the checker directs you to seek urgent in-person care.
Why Use the Free Checker First
The assessment costs nothing. You get clarity about your symptoms before spending time or money on anything else. It’s completely private—no creating accounts or sharing personal information for the basic checker.
Many people discover their “bronchitis” is actually a regular cold cough that will resolve on its own. Others learn they do have bronchitis and need treatment.
I had a patient last month who was about to go to urgent care for a cough. The free symptom checker revealed typical cold patterns—symptoms under a week, improving trajectory, no bronchitis indicators. She saved herself $150 and 3 hours by using the checker first.
Takes Just 2 Minutes
The questions are straightforward and quick. Most people complete the assessment in 2 minutes or less. You can pause and resume if needed—the system saves your progress.
Better than Internet Searching
Generic health websites can’t give you personalized assessment. You end up reading about every possible cause of coughs and confusing yourself more.
ChatRx’s free symptom checker focuses specifically on distinguishing bronchitis from regular coughs using targeted questions. It’s designed by a physician, not a generic algorithm covering hundreds of conditions superficially.
The Next Step
After getting your results, you’ll know whether to just ride it out with over-the-counter relief, proceed with a ChatRx e-visit for bronchitis treatment, or seek urgent care for concerning symptoms.
Stop wondering whether your cough is bronchitis. ChatRx’s free symptom checker gives you accurate answers in 2 minutes, helping you make informed decisions about your care.
