What Are Bronchitis Symptoms & Risks?
General Health & Wellness Children's Health
October 17, 2022
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways – called bronchial tubes – that carry air into and out of your lungs. Bronchitis can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection. Smoking or exposure to air pollutants causes chronic bronchitis.
What Are The Signs Of Bronchitis?
There are several indicators of bronchitis; the most common is a persistent cough that can last for several weeks. Patients with bronchitis often experience the following symptoms:
- Chest discomfort
- Chills
- Coughing, including coughing up mucus
- Fever (slight)
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed And Treated?
To diagnose bronchitis, clinicians and physicians can usually diagnose the condition by listening for congestion in a patient’s chest using a stethoscope or by ordering an X-ray of the lungs, if needed.
Acute bronchitis typically gets better on its own within a week to ten days, though a lingering cough may persist after the viral infection has improved. Because a virus typically causes bronchitis, antibiotics are not required for treatment. In fact, most patients will recover fully without any prescription medications.
However, your provider may recommend over-the-counter medications such as cough suppressants and decongestants to help reduce your bronchitis symptoms.
Can You Prevent Bronchitis?
You can prevent acute bronchitis by working to avoid common colds and viruses.
“The best way to prevent bronchitis is to practice proper hygiene, including handwashing and wearing a mask when appropriate,” said Derek Bast, DO, a family medicine doctor with Franciscan Physician Network CityWay Family Medicine in downtown Indianapolis.
Additionally, getting a yearly flu vaccine is an essential step in preventing bronchitis since the influenza virus can cause acute bronchitis.
When it comes to chronic bronchitis, “the single best preventative step you can take is to stop smoking. Chronic inflammation in your lungs – caused by smoking – can greatly increase the chances that a common cold progresses to bronchitis,” Dr. Bast said.
Are There Certain Groups Of People Who Are More At Risk?
Patients who smoke and those with lung conditions such as COPD or emphysema have a higher risk of developing bronchitis. Additionally, immunocompromised patients can face a higher risk of complications following a bronchitis diagnosis.
When Should I Be Worried About My Cough?
A mild to moderate cough with bronchitis is normal. However, you should seek medical care if your cough produces thick, discolored mucus or blood. You should also seek medical attention if you have a cough accompanied by a persistent fever or shortness of breath that prevents you from completing normal activities.
What Are The Risks Of Untreated Bronchitis?
Most cases of acute bronchitis will resolve on their own without complications. However, in some patients, acute bronchitis can lead to pneumonia. If you have symptoms of pneumonia, including a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by coughing and chest pain, seek medical care.
On the other hand, chronic bronchitis can lead to – and/or be a symptom of – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly known as COPD.
If you have chronic bronchitis that lasts several months per year and you are a current or former smoker over the age of 40, ask your doctor if you might have COPD. Early detection of COPD can make the condition more manageable.
Reduce your risk of bronchitis by washing your hands and wearing a mask during cold and flu season. If you suffer from frequent bronchitis, talk with a primary care provider to determine whether you may have chronic bronchitis or COPD.
