Bronchitis (Acute)

Bronchitis (Acute)

Commonly known as bronchitis, acute bronchitis is a form of lower respiratory infection that affects the air tubes (bronchi) of the lungs. It usually comes on suddenly and lasts for a week to 10 days. This is very different from chronic bronchitis, which is a more serious, life-long condition.

Learn About Acute Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the sudden development of inflammation in the bronchial tubes—the major airways into your lungs. It usually happens because of a virus or breathing in something that irritates the lungs such as tobacco smoke, fumes, dust and air pollution.

Key Facts

• Bronchitis is temporary and usually does not cause any permanent breathing difficulties.
• The infection usually lasts for a week to 10 days, but the cough can continue for several weeks.
• Bronchitis usually gets better on its own without the need for medical treatment.
• It is different from chronic bronchitis, a chronic disease that is part of COPD.
• Young children, the elderly and people with major health conditions are the most at risk.

How Acute Bronchitis Affects Your Body

In bronchitis, cells that line the bronchi become inflamed. The symptoms usually start in the nose or throat and travel to the bronchial tubes. When the body tries to fight the airway inflammation, it causes the bronchial tubes to swell and fill with mucus. This causes you to cough. Sometimes it is a dry cough, but often you will cough up mucus (sputum). The swelling also narrows your airways, allowing less air to pass through, which can cause wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. With time, the bronchitis will resolve and your airways return to normal. Symptom improvement can take around a week to two weeks, though the cough may stick around for longer.

What Causes Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, such as a cold or the flu, and occasionally by bacterial infection like whooping cough.
You are more vulnerable to developing bronchitis if:

• You have close contact with someone who has a virus
• You have not been immunized against the viruses and bacteria that can cause bronchitis like the flu, RSV, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease.
• You are exposed to lung irritants like tobacco smoke, fumes, dust and air pollution

Bronchitis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment - What Are the Symptoms of Bronchitis?

The most common symptoms of bronchitis are:

• Runny, stuffy nose
• Low-grade fever
• Chest congestion
• Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
• A cough that may produce yellow or green mucus (sputum)
• Feeling run-down or tired
• Shortness of breath

How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed?

During the first few days of illness, bronchitis symptoms are similar to that of a common cold. Healthcare providers diagnose bronchitis by asking patients questions about symptoms and doing a physical examination. There aren’t tests to diagnose acute bronchitis, but your healthcare provider may test you for viral infections to rule those out. If your cough lasts for longer than typical, your healthcare provider might order a chest X-ray to look for more serious conditions like pneumonia.

Preventing Bronchitis

Avoiding lung irritants, including smoking, is important for preventing bronchitis. To help protect your lungs, wear a mask over your mouth and nose when using lung irritants such as paint, paint remover or varnish. Wash your hands often, and stay up to date on your recommended immunizations.

How Is Bronchitis Treated?

Most cases of bronchitis go away on their own. Bronchitis has to run its course over several weeks. There are ways to help make yourself more comfortable at home that your healthcare provider may suggest, including:

• Resting and getting plenty of fluids
• Drinking lots of water, which helps loosen chest congestion
• A cough suppressant and/or pain reliever, especially at bedtime
• A humidifier or steam

Antibiotics are not effective for treating viral infections, but if your doctor suspects that you have a bacterial infection, they may prescribe one.
If you have chronic lung disease, your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments to reduce airway inflammation.

When to See Your Doctor

On average, the symptoms of acute bronchitis last only a couple of weeks. However, if you have a cough that won't go away, or if you get sick with bronchitis frequently, it may be the sign of a more serious disease and you should visit your doctor. Here are some questions to ask your doctor about bronchitis:

• Am I contagious? For how long?
• Do I need to get a chest X-ray? (Most of the time, the answer is "No.")
• Should I be concerned about having a fever?
• Should I take over-the-counter cough and cold product?
• What are the side-effects of the medications?
• When will I be able to resume my normal activities?

Frequently Asked Questions about Bronchitis:

Is bronchitis contagious?
Are bronchitis and pneumonia the same?
Can I only get bronchitis during respiratory illness season?

Talk to an Expert

Our Lung HelpLine is staffed by registered nurses and respiratory therapists ready to help answer your questions about bronchitis. Connect with us by phone, email or live chat. Contact HelpLine 
Source: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchitis