ChatRx uses advanced AI telehealth to accurately diagnose the symptoms of acute bronchitis and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate
Acute bronchitis is a common, temporary inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the main airways leading into the lungs. It typically develops after a cold or flu and can cause coughing, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing.
If you feel like you may be suffering from acute bronchitis, we invite you to assess your symptoms using our AI-powered online telehealth platform.
The ChatRx Free Symptom Checker is Available!
What is Acute Bronchitis?
- An infection of the main airways (bronchi) that leads to inflammation and swelling
- Can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritants like smoke
- Often develops after a cold or the flu
- Usually lasts 1-2 weeks, but cough can persist for several weeks
What Causes Acute Bronchitis?
- Viruses – such as influenza, rhinovirus, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Bacteria – like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae
- Irritants – like smoke, dust, or chemical fumes
- Weakened immune system
- Recent respiratory illnesses like the common cold
Preventing Acute Bronchitis
- Get the flu vaccine annually
- Avoid exposure to lung irritants like smoke and air pollution
- Wash hands frequently to prevent the spreading of viral infections
- Stay hydrated and get enough rest when sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading illness
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis
- Persistent cough, often with mucus production
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
- Low-grade fever
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
Treating Acute Bronchitis
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and cough suppressants
- Prescription medications like bronchodilators or corticosteroids if needed
- Antibiotics only for cases caused by bacterial infection
- Monitoring for worsening symptoms that require medical attention
Self-Care for Acute Bronchitis
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, broth, or herbal tea
- Use a humidifier to keep air moist
- Suck on cough drops or hard candy to soothe a sore throat
- Avoid irritants like smoke and dust
Medications for Acute Bronchitis
- Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan or guaifenesin
- Expectorants to thin mucus and make coughing more productive
- Decongestants to reduce swelling in the airways
- Bronchodilators to open up the airways and improve breathing
- Antibiotics only if the infection is bacterial
Risk Factors for Acute Bronchitis
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Air pollution or exposure to lung irritants
- Recent respiratory illness like a cold or flu
How Acute Bronchitis Spreads
- Spread through coughing and sneezing, dispersing virus particles or bacteria
- Touching contaminated surfaces then touching your face, nose, or mouth
- Close contact with someone who has an active respiratory infection
- Sharing food, drinks, or utensils with an infected person
Acute bronchitis is a common and usually mild condition that often resolves on its own with proper self-care. However, it’s important to monitor for signs of worsening symptoms or progression to pneumonia, which would require prompt medical attention. Let me know if you have any other questions!
While acute bronchitis typically resolves on its own, seek immediate medical attention if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, high fever (over 102°F/39°C), or are coughing up blood. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent medical evaluation.
The cause of bronchitis can be difficult to determine without medical evaluation. Viral bronchitis typically develops after a cold or flu and produces clear or white mucus. Bacterial bronchitis may cause yellow or green mucus and is more likely to be accompanied by fever. However, mucus color alone isn’t a reliable indicator, and you’ll need a medical evaluation. Start by getting a rapid online symptom assessment using the ChatRx AI-powered system.
It’s advisable to rest and avoid strenuous exercise when you have bronchitis. You can resume easy activities, such as light walking once the fever subsides and breathing becomes easier. You may be able to return to regular exercise gradually over 1-2 weeks once you start to feel better. Be sure to stop if symptoms worsen.
The contagious period varies depending on the cause. Viral bronchitis is typically contagious for 3-7 days after symptoms begin. Bacterial bronchitis usually becomes non-contagious 24-48 hours after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment. Practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with others during the infectious period.
Nighttime cough worsening is common with bronchitis due to several factors: lying flat allows mucus to pool in the airways, reduced cortisol levels at night can increase inflammation, and the body’s natural clearing mechanisms are less active during sleep. Using an extra pillow to elevate your head and running a humidifier may help reduce nighttime symptoms.