Bronchitis: what it is and how to treat it

1. What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large bronchi, the main airway of the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis occurs as a result of constant irritation and inflammation of the lungs. Cigarette smokers often end up developing chronic bronchitis, a serious disease of the bronchial tubes that causes excessive production of mucus and a chronic cough. Because your airways are already damaged, treatment is different for people with chronic bronchitis. These people will need to see their provider right away.

Acute bronchitis (short-term bronchitis) is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu. This article is about the symptoms and treatment of acute bronchitis.

2. What are the main symptoms of acute bronchitis?

• cough
• difficulty breathing
• chest tightness or wheezing

Bronchitis usually begins as a cold with symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, or sinus infection that then settles in the chest. The large airway becomes inflamed and produces excessive mucus (may be yellow or brown), coughing, and shortness of breath.

This cough can last 3 weeks. Bronchitis is sometimes called a “chest cold.” In 90% to 95% of cases, it is caused by a VIRUS. Antibiotics kill BACTERIAL infections, not VIRAL infections. That is why antibiotics are usually not prescribed.

3. How do I know it’s not pneumonia?

In healthy non-elderly adults, pneumonia is rare in the absence of certain signs. Classic signs of pneumonia include:

• fever over 101
• rapid heart rate
• fast breathing

Also, listening to your lungs with a stethoscope will let your provider know if your lungs are likely to be infected.

A chest X-ray is usually not needed unless the cough continues for more than 3 weeks in the absence of other known causes, such as allergies, asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

4. What can be done to help me feel better?

Since antibiotics are useless at killing viruses, the key is to control the symptoms. Expectorants to help you expel phlegm, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and sometimes an inhaler will help reduce your symptoms. Keep in mind, though, that your cough will probably be the last to go.

Changes in air temperature (going from a warm house to the outside), cigarette smoke, chemical odors, etc. it can often trigger a coughing spasm. That’s why if you smoke, try to quit during your illness (in fact, now might be the time to quit for good!). Wear a scarf to protect your nose and mouth when you go out into the cold.

You should start to feel better in 7 to 10 days, but your cough may last up to 3 weeks. If your cough has not improved by then, you should see your provider.