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Bronchitis
Bronchitis
It
usually is caused by constant irritation, such as from smoking. Acute bronchitis lasts only a short time.
Most cases get better in several days, though the cough can last for several weeks.
Rx and pen
When I see patients with chest colds, they usually don’t need antibiotics. Instead, I tell them about some
simple treatments they can do at home. Read More
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Sore throat
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Your cough can last for several weeks or more. This happens because the bronchial tubes take a while to
heal. A lasting cough may signal another problem, such as asthma or pneumonia.
RELATED TOPICS
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Cough
Read Article >>
Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a contagious virus. The same viruses that cause colds can cause
acute bronchitis. First, the virus affects your nose, sinuses, and throat. Then the infection travels to the
lining of the bronchial tubes. As your body fights the virus, swelling occurs and mucus is produced.
You can catch a virus from breathing it in or by skin contact. You are at higher risk of catching the virus if
you have close contact with someone who has a cold or acute bronchitis.
Exposure to irritants, such as smoke, dust, or fumes. You are at greater risk if your bronchial tubes
already have damage.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which causes heartburn. You can get acute bronchitis when
stomach acid gets into the bronchial tubes.
Your doctor can confirm acute bronchitis. He or she will do a physical exam and review your symptoms.
He or she will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Your doctor might order a chest X-ray to look at
your lungs. This will help rule out pneumonia.
You can help prevent acute bronchitis by staying healthy and avoiding germs. Wash your hands with
soap often to kill any contagious viruses.
If you smoke, the best defense against acute bronchitis is to quit. Smoking damages your bronchial
tubes and puts you at risk for infection. Smoking also slows down the healing process.
Ask your doctor if you should get a pneumonia shot, especially if you are over age 60.
Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by a virus. This means that antibiotics won’t help. The
infection needs to run its course. It almost always goes away on its own. Home treatment focuses on
easing the symptoms:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and lower your fever. These
could include acetaminophen (1 brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (1 brand name: Advil). Never give
aspirin to a child. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, which can affect the liver and brain.
There are some over-the-counter cough medicines that help break up or loosen mucus. Look for the
word “guaifenesin” on the label or ask your pharmacist for a suggestion.
Do not hold in a cough that brings up mucus. This type of cough helps clear mucus from your bronchial
tubes. If you smoke, you should quit. It will help your bronchial tubes heal faster.
Some people who have acute bronchitis need inhaled medicine. You might need this if you are
wheezing. It can help open your bronchial tubes and clear out mucus. You usually take it with an inhaler.
An inhaler sprays medicine right into your bronchial tubes. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is
right for you.
If your doctor thinks bacteria have caused your acute bronchitis, he or she may give you antibiotics.
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. You should call your doctor if:
You continue to wheeze and cough for more than 2 weeks, especially at night when you lie down or
when you are active.
You continue to cough for more than 2 weeks and have a bad-tasting fluid come up into your mouth.
This may mean you have GERD. This is a condition in which stomach acid gets into your esophagus.
Your cough produces blood, you feel weak, you have an ongoing high fever, and you are short of breath.
These symptoms may mean you have pneumonia.
The risk of developing complications from acute bronchitis, such as pneumonia, is greater in some
people. These include:
Young children
The elderly
People who haven’t gotten vaccines for flu, pneumonia, or whooping cough
Are there over-the-counter medicines or prescriptions that can help relieve my symptoms?
Am I contagious?