Acute Bronchitis: Brief Version
What is acute bronchitis?
When you have acute bronchitis, the air passages between your windpipe and your lungs are swollen and irritated. You have a bad cough and pain in your chest when you breathe deeply or cough.
How does it happen?
Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, like a cold or the flu. It can also be caused by bacteria.
Most of the time, it clears up in a few days. It may take you longer to get better if:
- You smoke cigarettes.
- You have a heart or lung disease.
- You live in an area where air pollution is a problem.
- You have any other health problems.
What are the symptoms?
You may:
- Have a deep cough with yellowish or greenish phlegm.
- Feel pain in your chest when you breathe deeply or cough.
- Wheeze or feel short of breath.
- Have a fever or chills.
How do I know if I have it?
Your healthcare provider will:
- Ask how long you have been sick.
- Give you an exam.
You may have a chest X-ray or other tests.
How can I take care of myself?
Resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids to keep the mucus loose may be all you need to do to get better in a few days. If your symptoms are severe or you have other health problems (such as heart or lung disease or diabetes), you may need to take antibiotics.
You should also:
- Stop smoking if you smoke.
- Avoid smoky places.
You may want to ask your healthcare provider about taking medicine for your cough or fever.
Call your healthcare provider if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have a fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C).
- You cough up blood.
- You are feeling worse or are not any better after 2 days.
How can I help prevent acute bronchitis?
You can lower your chances of getting bronchitis if you don't smoke.
Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2010-12-17
Last reviewed: 2010-07-06
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
