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What Is Acute Bronchitis?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Veluvarthi Vijay , Pulmonologists
Acute Bronchitis is a contagious respiratory condition marked by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. It often presents suddenly and causes short-term breathing difficulty due to mucus buildup and airway swelling.
Early diagnosis and proper care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
What are the Acute Bronchitis Symptoms and Warning Signs?
Acute bronchitis typically develops following a cold or respiratory infection. Recognising symptoms early helps avoid progression and allows for timely treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent cough with clear, yellow, or green mucus
- Sore throat
- Mild Fever
- Chest congestion or tightness
- Wheezing
- Body aches
Severe Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Chills with high fever
- Worsening cough lasting more than three weeks
What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Acute Bronchitis?
Viral infections primarily cause acute bronchitis, but can also arise due to bacterial infections or exposure to lung irritants. Understanding its causes and risk factors helps in prevention and timely treatment.
Causes
- Viral infections (e.g., cold or flu viruses)
- Bacterial infections (e.g., Mycoplasma pneumonia, Bordetella pertussis)
- Exposure to environmental irritants
Risk Factors
- Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic lung or heart disease (e.g., COPD, Asthma, CHF)
- Age (infants, young children, and older people)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Get Second OpinionHow Acute Bronchitis is Diagnosed?
Taking medical history and physical exams may frequently identify acute bronchitis. Screening can be performed to rule out conditions like pneumonia or asthma.
Any of the following tests might be used to support the diagnosis
- Chest X-rays: To rule out pneumonia
- Sputum test: Detects bacteria or viruses in the mucus
- Pulse oximetry: Measures oxygen levels in the blood
- Arterial blood gas (ABG): Evaluates oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Assess lung function and airflow
At Medicover Hospitals, our well-equipped diagnostic facilities and experienced respiratory care team ensure timely and accurate diagnosis.
What are the Treatment Options for Acute Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is typically self-limiting, with most cases resolving in a few weeks. However, treatment may be necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Treatment Options Include
- Cough suppressants (for dry, irritating cough)
- Bronchodilators (to ease breathing)
- Pain and fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Antibiotics (only if bacterial infection is confirmed)
- Antiviral medications (in select cases)
- Increased fluid intake and rest
- Air humidification
- Smoking cessation and avoidance of smoke exposure
At Medicover, treatment plans are tailored based on patient history and symptoms, ensuring optimal recovery.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- Your cough lasts more than 3 weeks
- Breathing becomes difficult
- High fever persists
- You belong to a high-risk group (elderly, infants, chronic lung disease)
Doctors can effectively treat symptoms and monitor for complications such as pneumonia.
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What is the Recovery Process After Acute Bronchitis Treatment?
Recovery usually takes 1 - 3 weeks, though some coughs may linger. Follow-up may be needed for high-risk individuals.
Post-treatment Care Tips
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid smoke and air pollutants
- Use a humidifier to ease breathing
- Maintain a healthy immune system through rest and nutrition
Our Hospitals offer follow-up care and support services to ensure a full recovery and prevent recurrence.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Acute Bronchitis?
Prevention
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia
- Wear a mask in polluted environments
- Practice good hand hygiene
Complications if Untreated
- Pneumonia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Worsening of pre-existing lung conditions like Asthma or COPD
Early prevention and healthy habits significantly reduce the risk of bronchitis.
Do's and Don'ts
The highly contagious infection known as acute bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial passageways. When they are infected, these tubes expand and produce mucus, a sticky fluid. The symptoms are breathing problems, coughing, fever, etc. By following the dos and don'ts, it is easy to manage the condition and symptoms.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Take plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated. | Go out in cold or damp weather |
| Avoid smoky environments | Delay in getting medical care if your symptoms worsen. |
| Eat a healthy diet | Smoke and inhale second-hand smoke |
| Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of infection. | Come in close contact with sick people |
| Take the flu vaccination | Touch contaminated surfaces |
Following the above tips will ease your pain and decrease complications.
Our Experience Treating Acute Bronchitis
At Medicover Hospitals, we offer compassionate care for patients with acute bronchitis.
Our expert pulmonologists utilise advanced diagnostics and individualised treatment plans to help patients recover quickly and breathe more easily. We prioritise your health with a patient-centered approach.
Citations
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448067/
