On this page, you will find everything you need to know about acute bronchitis.
What is acute bronchitis? Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes and airways that carry air to the lungs. When these tubes and airways become inflamed, mucus is produced and accumulates in the lungs. This causes the person to cough. Acute bronchitis usually lasts less than three weeks.
What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
Cough with or without mucus.
Chest pain.
Feeling tired and fatigued.
Mild headache.
Body aches.
Sore throat.
Fever.
What causes acute bronchitis? Acute bronchitis is most often caused by viruses. In some cases, bacteria may also cause acute bronchitis.
How is it diagnosed? The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional tests may be requested if needed, such as:
Chest X-ray.
Blood gas and blood cell tests.
Nasal fluid samples to identify the virus.
How is acute bronchitis treated? Most cases of bronchitis can be treated at home. Common home treatments include:
Getting plenty of rest.
Drinking lots of fluids.
Using a humidifier.
Using a saline nasal spray or drops to relieve nasal congestion.
How can acute bronchitis be prevented? Prevention methods include:
Regular hand washing.
Getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke.
Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
What are the complications of acute bronchitis?
Pneumonia.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
When should you see a doctor? You should see a doctor if:
Your body temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
You have a cough with bloody mucus.
You experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Symptoms last for more than three weeks.
You have recurrent episodes of bronchitis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are antibiotics effective in treating acute bronchitis? Antibiotics are not effective if the bronchitis is caused by a virus. However, if the fever persists for more than a week, the cause may be bacterial, and antibiotics may be used in that case.
Does a cough require treatment? Non-medicated home remedies are recommended for relieving cough, such as using honey, drinking warm fluids, and reducing exposure to irritants like smoking. Medications can be used if the patient prefers and if home remedies are not effective.
