Acute symptoms · Berlin
Acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
A relentless cough, thick mucus, the onset of shortness of breath — acute bronchitis can rob you of sleep for days and shut down daily life. Our specialist physicians come to your home or hotel daily from 6 am to midnight, auscultate the lungs and judge whether it is straightforward bronchitis or whether signs of pneumonia call for extended workup.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Acute bronchitis in Berlin — clean separation from pneumonia
Acute bronchitis is usually viral and settles within one to three weeks. The typical pattern is initially dry, later productive cough, retrosternal burning, moderate fever and a marked illness feeling. The key clinical task is not to miss a community-acquired pneumonia — the two are not always distinguishable on history alone.
On the house call we take time for careful auscultation in multiple positions, measure oxygen saturation at rest and after light exertion, observe respiratory rate and add a CRP rapid test where appropriate. This places the pneumonia probability much more reliably than a hurried examination in a crowded waiting room could.
What the specialist does on site
We combine structured history (duration, sputum, fever, breathlessness, comorbidities, smoking history), physical examination and targeted rapid diagnostics. With clinical clues to pneumonia or reduced oxygen saturation we recommend prompt chest X-ray or hospital review. For plain bronchitis we advise on inhalation therapy, antitussives and mucolytics, and provide acute inhaled medication where indicated.
Antibiotics in bronchitis — usually not needed
Viral bronchitis does not benefit from antibiotics. Even green-purulent sputum is not in itself a reason for antibiotic therapy — neutrophil and eosinophil granulocytes colour the secretion regardless of pathogen type. Antibiotics are appropriate for documented pneumonia, COPD exacerbation with clear deterioration or unambiguously bacterial courses. We make this decision according to guidelines and individually.
How the house call works
On first contact we clarify cough duration, accompanying symptoms, comorbidities and current inhalations. With clues to pneumonia or reduced oxygen saturation we agree on the next step. Otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist.
On site we examine with auscultation, pulse oximetry and CRP if needed. We advise on appropriate therapy, issue prescriptions and provide clear follow-up criteria. A sick-leave certificate is part of the visit if needed.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the GOÄ via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. House call, examination, rapid tests and administered medication are itemised separately. German private health insurance and Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
We issue an English invoice for international guests and remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the visit.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Distressing cough for ten days
A patient in Friedrichshain has had an increasingly productive cough for more than a week. We check oxygen saturation, auscultate and decide on the next step.
Asthma patient with acute exacerbation
An asthma patient in Wilmersdorf has worsening cough with wheeze. We adjust inhalation therapy and check for hospital criteria.
Patient with suspected pneumonia
High fever, pleuritic chest pain and sputum — we auscultate, check CRP and arrange imaging.
Traveller with cough after a long-haul flight
A business traveller at a hotel in Mitte struggles with a persistent dry cough. We clarify, advise on therapy and assess fitness to travel.
Frequently asked questions
How do you tell bronchitis from pneumonia?
Not always clearly on clinical grounds alone. High persistent fever, pleuritic chest pain, marked breathlessness, reduced oxygen saturation and typical auscultation findings are key. In doubt we add rapid tests and recommend a chest X-ray.
Do I need antibiotics?
Usually not. Viral bronchitis resolves without antibiotics. Indications include documented pneumonia, COPD exacerbation or clearly bacterial courses.
What helps with the cough?
Initially mucolytics and plenty of fluids; later, for nighttime irritant cough, a time-limited antitussive. Inhalations and, where indicated, inhaled bronchodilators can also help.
How long does acute bronchitis last?
Typically one to three weeks, occasionally longer. With clearly prolonged course or deterioration we recommend reassessment.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Acute bronchitis.