Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is short-term inflammation of the breathing tubes, usually caused by a virus. Cough may last for several weeks even after other symptoms improve.
About acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is short-term inflammation of the breathing tubes, usually caused by a virus. Cough may last for several weeks even after other symptoms improve.
What can cause it?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and flu.
Bacteria are a less common cause. Smoke, vaping, dust, and fumes can worsen airway irritation.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Cough with or without mucus
- Chest soreness, tiredness, or mild fever
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
How clinicians find the cause
A clinician reviews symptom duration, fever, breathing, medical history, and lung sounds. Oxygen level may be checked. A chest x-ray or testing for flu, COVID-19, or other infections may be needed when pneumonia or another diagnosis is possible.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Most viral cases improve without antibiotics; antibiotics do not treat viruses.
- 2
Treatment may include fluids, rest, humidified air, and clinician-recommended medicine for fever, wheezing, or cough.
- 3
A cough may remain for several weeks after the infection begins to improve.
Supporting recovery
- Drink fluids as tolerated and rest.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke.
- Follow instructions for inhalers or other prescribed medicines and do not use someone else's prescription.
What to expect
Most people with uncomplicated acute bronchitis improve as the airway inflammation settles. Fever and fatigue often improve first, while the cough may continue for several weeks. Recovery may take longer for people with asthma, COPD, or other heart or lung conditions, so follow-up is important when symptoms are not steadily improving.
Possible complications
- Pneumonia or another lower respiratory infection
- A flare of asthma, COPD, or another chronic lung condition
- Dehydration, poor sleep, or chest-wall soreness from persistent coughing
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, confusion, fainting, or crushing chest pain.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Wash hands, cover coughs, and avoid close contact when ill.
- Stay current with recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccination.
- Avoid tobacco smoke and inhaled irritants.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.