Acute bronchitis (patient information)
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What is Acute bronchitis?
Bronchitis is inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. Acute bronchitis may be short-lived, whereas chronic bronchitis lasts a long time and often recurs.
What are the symptoms of Acute bronchitis?
The symptoms of either type of bronchitis may include: chest discomfort; cough that produces mucus (if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection); fatigue; fever (usually low); shortness of breath worsened by exertion or mild activity; wheezing. Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.
What causes Acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection. At first, it affects your nose, sinuses, and throat and then spreads to the lungs. Sometimes, you may get another (secondary) bacterial infection in the airways. This means that bacteria infect the airways, in addition to the virus.
The following things can make bronchitis worse: air pollution; allergies; certain occupations (such as coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling); infections.
Who is at risk for Acute bronchitis?
People at risk for acute bronchitis include: the elderly, infants, and young children; persons with heart or lung disease; smokers.
How do I know I have Acute bronchitis?
The health care provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Abnormal sounds in the lungs called rales or other abnormal breathing sounds may be heard.
Tests may include:
- Chest x-ray
- Lung function tests provide information that is useful for diagnosis and your outlook.
- Pulse oximetry helps determine the amount of oxygen in your blood. This quick and painless test uses a device that is placed onto the end of your finger. Arterial blood gas is a more exact measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, but it requires a needle stick and is more painful.
- Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.
Possible complications
Pneumonia can develop from acute bronchitis.
When to seek urgent medical care
Call your doctor if:
- You have a cough most days or you have a cough that returns frequently
- You are coughing up blood
- You have a high fever or shaking chills
- You have a low-grade fever for 3 or more days
- You have thick, greenish mucus, especially if it has a bad smell
- You feel short of breath or have chest pain
- You have an underlying chronic illness, like heart or lung disease
Treatment options
You DO NOT need antibiotics for acute bronchitis caused by a virus. The infection will generally go away on its own within 1 week. Take the following steps for some relief:
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have a fever. DO NOT give aspirin to children
- Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom
If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler to open your airways if you are wheezing. If your doctor thinks that you have a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Most of the time, antibiotics are not needed or recommended.
For any bronchitis, the most important step you can take is to QUIT smoking. If bronchitis is caught early enough, you can prevent the damage to your lungs.
Where to find medical care for Acute bronchitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Acute bronchitis
Prevention of Acute bronchitis
- DO NOT smoke.
- Get a yearly flu vaccine and a pneumococcal vaccine as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce your exposure to air pollution.
- Wash your hands (and your children's hands) frequently to avoid spreading viruses and other infections.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
For acute bronchitis, symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days if you do not have an underlying lung disorder. However, a dry, hacking cough can linger for a number of months.