Get Help for Cough, Bronchitis and Pneumonia in East London

Persistent cough or difficulty breathing? Our East London GPs diagnose and treat bronchitis, pneumonia, and other chest-related illnesses with care and expertise to support your recovery.

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1. Book An Appointment

Visit our website and book an appointment with one of our experienced medical practitioners.

2. Come In For A Consultation

Our team will sit down with you, assess your symptoms or concerns, and guide you through the best treatment options.

3. Get the Care You Need

We’ll work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that supports your health, recovery, and overall well-being.

Cough, Bronchitis & Pneumonia 

A cough that won’t go away or symptoms of a chest infection should never be ignored. 

At EveryMed, our GP team provides thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment for coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.

Whether your symptoms are mild or more serious, our chest infection clinic is here to help you breathe easier and recover safely.

Understanding Coughs, Bronchitis & Pneumonia

These conditions all affect the respiratory system but vary in severity:

Cough

A cough is a reflex designed to clear the airways. It can be caused by infections, allergies, irritation, or underlying lung conditions. 

If it lasts longer than expected, it should be checked by a GP.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed usually due to a viral infection. It often causes a persistent cough, chest discomfort, and mucus production.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a more serious lung infection affecting the air sacs in the lungs. It may be viral or bacterial and often requires urgent medical attention.

Accurate diagnosis is essential because symptoms can overlap, but the treatment can differ significantly.

Common Symptoms

Depending on the condition, symptoms may include:

Cough Symptoms

  • Dry or productive cough
  • Tickling sensation in the throat
  • Worsening at night

Bronchitis Symptoms

  • Persistent cough lasting more than a week
  • Thick or coloured mucus
  • Chest tightness
  • Mild fever
  • Wheezing

Pneumonia Symptoms

  • High fever and chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain when breathing
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Rapid breathing
  • Persistent, worsening cough

Severe or sudden symptoms may require urgent medical assessment.

Causes of Coughs & Chest Infections

Common causes include:

  • Viral infections (flu, RSV, coronavirus, common colds)
  • Bacterial infections
  • Smoking or environmental irritants
  • Asthma flare-ups
  • Allergies
  • Post-viral cough
  • Chronic lung conditions

Determining the cause helps guide the correct treatment plan.

How We Diagnose Cough, Bronchitis & Pneumonia

Our bronchitis doctors and GPs follow a careful diagnostic process that may include:

  • Full symptom and medical history review
  • Chest examination
  • Oxygen level testing
  • Temperature and vital signs
  • Evaluation of cough duration and type

When necessary, we may recommend:

  • Chest X-ray (for suspected pneumonia)
  • Blood tests
  • Sputum testing
  • Lung function tests
  • Rapid viral infection screening

This ensures accurate pneumonia diagnosis and proper management.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause.

Cough Treatment

  • Cough suppressants (for dry coughs)
  • Expectorants (to help clear mucus)
  • Nebulisation for wheezing
  • Treatment of underlying causes (allergies, post-viral inflammation, acid reflux)

Bronchitis Treatment

  • Rest and hydration
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Inhalers or bronchodilators if breathing is affected
  • Treatment for wheezing or tight chest
  • Antibiotics only if a bacterial cause is suspected

Pneumonia Treatment

  • Antibiotics (if bacterial)
  • Fever and pain control
  • Breathing support or nebulisation
  • Close monitoring and follow-up
  • Referral for hospital care if symptoms are severe

Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery.

When to See a Doctor

Visit our chest infection clinic if you experience:

Concerning Symptoms

  • Cough lasting more than 7–10 days
  • Cough producing coloured or bloody mucus
  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing
  • High fever or chills
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Tight chest or shortness of breath
  • Cough after a recent viral illness that is not improving

High-Risk Groups Should Seek Care Early

  • Children and infants
  • Older adults
  • Smokers
  • People with asthma or lung disease
  • Individuals with chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease)

Early assessment ensures safe, effective recovery.

Preventing Chest Infections

Our GPs provide guidance on:

  • Vaccinations (flu, pneumonia where appropriate)
  • Strengthening immunity
  • Avoiding irritants and smoke exposure
  • Managing asthma or chronic lung conditions
  • Hygiene habits to prevent viral spread

Prevention is especially important for vulnerable patients.

Why Choose EveryMed for Chest Infection Care?

  • Experienced GPs specialising in cough and bronchitis treatment
  • Accurate, on-site pneumonia assessment
  • Personalised treatment plans
  • Supportive follow-up care
  • Convenient, accessible appointments

Book an Appointment

If you’re struggling with a cough, suspect bronchitis, or are worried about pneumonia, visit EveryMed for expert care.

Book your appointment today and breathe easier sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia?

A cough is a symptom that can result from many causes. Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways, often from a viral infection. 

Pneumonia is a more serious infection affecting the lungs themselves, usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

2. When should I see a doctor for a persistent cough?

You should seek medical care if your cough lasts longer than 3 weeks, is accompanied by fever, chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, or produces thick or bloody mucus.

3. What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest tightness, wheezing, fatigue, and mucus production. At EveryMed, we assess whether it’s viral, allergic, or bacterial to provide the right treatment.

4. How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Our doctors diagnose pneumonia through a physical examination, symptoms review, and if needed, a chest X-ray or lung function tests. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications.

5. Do I need antibiotics for bronchitis or pneumonia?

Bronchitis is usually viral and does not require antibiotics. Pneumonia may require antibiotics if it is bacterial. EveryMed’s clinicians determine whether antibiotics are necessary based on your symptoms and examination.

6. How does EveryMed treat cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia?

Treatment may include cough suppressants, inhalers, anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics (if needed), fever control, and breathing support. We tailor care to your condition and its severity.

7. Can bronchitis or pneumonia become serious?

Yes. Both conditions can progress if untreated, especially in young children, older adults, smokers, and people with chronic illnesses. Early medical care helps prevent complications.

8. How can I prevent respiratory infections?

Good hand hygiene, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, managing allergies, and getting your annual flu and pneumococcal vaccines can greatly reduce your risk of respiratory infections.

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