Acute Bronchitis

What is Acute Bronchitis?

It is an infection in the tubes that carry air from your mouth and nose to your lungs (bronchial tree). When these tubes get infected, they swell and mucus (phlegm) is made. The swelling in the tubes and the increased mucus makes it harder for you to breathe. The same virus that causes colds usually causes bronchitis. The virus attacks the lining of your bronchial tree, which causes harm. Your body fights the virus but during this time more swelling happens and more mucus is made. It takes time for your body to fix the harm done by the viruses. During this healing time, you may continue to cough and wheeze.  Smoking will increase the time needed for healing. Bronchitis is passed on by coughing. If you breathe in the virus or touch hands of a person who has the virus on them, you have a good chance of catching it. People, who smoke or are around industrial fumes, have a greater chance of getting bronchitis, because they already have damage to their lungs. Your doctor may do some tests to rule out other lung problems like pneumonia.

What can be done to treat Bronchitis?

• Bronchitis is caused by a virus so antibiotics will not help. Even if your phlegm (spit) is colored or thick, antibiotics will not help you get better faster.
• Sometimes the doctor will prescribe a drug like that used for asthmatics
• Do not smoke
• Avoid air pollution

Are there any problems that may happen with Bronchitis?

• Sometimes it can be confused with asthma. If your cough and/or wheeze continues for a long time, your doctor may decide to test for other lung problems
• Pneumonia can have similar symptoms.
• Bronchitis may be caused by acid coming up from your stomach and going into your lungs while you are sleeping. If your cough continues, and you have bad tasting fluid come into your mouth you should have it checked. Sometimes medication that helps, decreases the acid in your stomach, may help your cough go away.

Go see your Doctor or to the Emergency Department IF:

• Your cough lasts more than 1 month.
• You keep getting a fever.
• You cough up blood.
• You have a hard time to breath when you lie down, or you have swelling of your hands or feet.