Definition
Acute bronchitis is a short term lung infection. Bronchi in the lungs become inflamed and start to make more phlegm than normal. It leads to intense coughing.
Causes
Viruses are the most common cause of infection. Bacteria can also cause it, but this isn’t as common.
Symptoms
Common symptoms may cause:
- Cough, with or without phlegm, but over time phlegm increases
- Breathing problems
- Wheezing
- Slight fever
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and health history. Your answers may point to acute bronchitis. You may need further testing only if the doctor suspects something else such as pneumonia. This is normally not done.
Treatment
The infection will go away on its own. Care focuses on making you feel better until the infection passes. The cough can last for up to a month.
Care may involve:
- Drinking more fluids
- Resting when needed
- Medicines to lower fever, ease discomfort, and make you cough up more phlegm (talk to your doctor before using a cough suppressant, coughing clears phlegm)
- Inhalers to ease breathing—more common in people with asthma
Note: Check with your child’s doctor before giving them aspirin. It’s not a good option if they have or had a viral infection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises not using cough suppressants in children less than 2 years old. The FDA also supports not using them in children less than 4 years old.
Prevention
To lower your chances of infection:
- Wash your hands often, especially if you were with someone who is sick.
- If you can, don’t be around people who are sick.
- If you smoke, talk to your doctor about tools to help you quit. Smoke weakens the lungs' ability stay healthy. It also takes longer for infections to go away.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: David L. Horn, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 05/2018 -
- Update Date: 05/29/2018 -