Acute and Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It can affect people of all ages and range from mild to severe. 

At Banner Health, we are dedicated to helping you understand bronchitis and take proactive steps to improve your respiratory (breathing) health. Whether you're seeking guidance for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to provide the information and support you need.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes (the airways in and out of your lungs) become inflamed. This inflammation (swelling) makes it hard for air to flow through your lungs. It can cause a nagging cough and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult.

What causes bronchitis?

When you hear about bronchitis, it usually is acute (short-term) bronchitis. It is a temporary condition that usually lasts for a few weeks. Acute bronchitis often starts with a cold, the flu (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or COVID-19.

Some people get bronchitis so often that it is considered chronic (long-term) bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a more serious condition. It usually lasts at least three months and can occur multiple times a year. 

The leading cause of chronic bronchitis is long-term exposure to irritants such as smoking, dust, pollution or chemicals. People with asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or GERD (chronic acid reflux) may also be at increased risk for chronic bronchitis.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

The most common symptoms of bronchitis are:

• Chronic coughing with or without mucus
• Sore throat
• Chest pain or tightness
• Feeling tired (fatigued)
• Shortness of breath (hard to breathe)
• Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing)
• A mild fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or lower

Bronchitis rarely causes severe symptoms. But young children, older adults and those with chronic respiratory conditions are at higher risk. See your health care provider if you have a cough lasting over three weeks, you’re coughing up blood, having worsening shortness of breath or wheezing or get a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C).

Is bronchitis contagious?

Bronchitis itself is not contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that can cause acute bronchitis can be. Acute bronchitis often starts with a viral infection, like a cold or the flu. These viruses can spread through coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces like doorknobs that contain the virus.

If you have acute bronchitis, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands often with soap and water, stay home until you are no longer contagious and avoid close contact with others.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is not contagious. It is typically caused by long-term exposure to irritants and not infections.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

Your health care provider will carefully review your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms, their duration and any potential causes. 

Your provider will perform a physical exam and listen to your lungs using a stethoscope. They will check for signs of wheezing, crackling sounds or other problems that might indicate bronchitis.

They may also order the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Chest X-ray: This imaging test helps rule out other conditions, such as pneumonia or lung cancer, which can have similar symptoms.
• Nasal swab: Your provider may use a soft-tipped stick (swab) to test for viruses like COVID-19 or the flu.
• Lung function tests: These tests, such as a spirometer, measure how well your lungs are working. They assess the amount of air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can do it.
• Sputum culture (spit test): If you cough up mucus, your provider might test a sample for bacteria or other signs of infection.
• Blood tests: These can help determine an infection or inflammation in your body.

How is bronchitis treated?

Bronchitis treatment depends on the type and severity. 

Acute bronchitis treatment

Acute bronchitis often goes away on its own without treatment. Most people get over bronchitis in about two weeks, but it might take as long as three to six weeks to fully recover.

To help relieve symptoms, here are some steps you can take at home to feel better:

• Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover. Stay home from work and school until you feel better.
• Fluids: Drink lots of fluids like water and herbal tea. This helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medication: Medicines like ibuprofen can help with pain and fever. You might use cough suppressants (cough medicine)* to reduce coughing or expectorants to help clear mucus.
• Avoid irritants: Avoid smoke, dust and other things that can worsen your symptoms.
• Humidifiers: A humidifier can add moisture to the air and help ease coughing.

*Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under 4 years old. Discuss which medicines are safe for young children with your child’s provider.

Chronic bronchitis treatment

The goal of treating chronic bronchitis is to help you breathe easier and control your symptoms. Your health care provider may recommend:

• Quitting smoking: If you smoke, stop. Smoking makes bronchitis worse. Talk to your health care provider if you need help quitting.
• Taking medication: Your provider might prescribe inhalers or bronchodilators to help open your airways. You might need steroids to reduce inflammation.
• Pulmonary rehab: This includes exercise and education to help you breathe better and stay active.
• Oxygen therapy: If needed, using supplemental oxygen can help you breathe more easily.

Making these changes and following your provider’s advice can help you manage bronchitis and improve your breathing.

Should I take antibiotics for bronchitis?

Antibiotics are helpful when fighting bacterial infections but do not fight viral infections like bronchitis. Bronchitis is caused by a virus 95% of the time. 

Antibiotics don’t help you get rid of a virus. Sometimes, this type of medication may even worsen or introduce new symptoms, which could lead to antibiotic resistance. This makes it harder for your immune system to fight later infections.

If you also have the flu or COVID-19, your provider may prescribe an anti-viral medication to treat that infection. Sometimes, you may need an inhaler or corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation (swelling) in your airways.

Ways to prevent bronchitis

To reduce your risk of bronchitis, follow these tips:

• Don’t smoke: Smoking is the top risk factor for bronchitis. If you smoke, seek help to quit. Avoid secondhand smoke as well.
• Avoid pollutants: Limit your time around air pollution, dust and other irritants.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water to prevent the spread of infections.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, RSV and COVID-19 can help protect against respiratory infections that can cause bronchitis. 
• Healthy lifestyle: Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to support your immune system. Exercise daily to keep your lungs and body strong.

Bronchitis can be a challenging condition. But with the right care, you can manage it effectively. Find a Banner Health provider near you for more information or to schedule an appointment.