If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Your bronchial tubes deliver air from your trachea windpipe into your lungs. When these tubes become inflamed, mucus can build up. This condition is called bronchitis, and it causes symptoms that can include coughing , shortness of breath , and low fever.
Read more: BodyMap — the lungs ». The cough will likely be dry at first, and then become productive, which means it will produce mucus. A productive cough is the most common symptom of acute bronchitis and can last from 10 days to three weeks. Another symptom you may notice is a change of color in your mucus, from white to green or yellow. It just means that your immune system is at work. In many cases, acute bronchitis will go away without treatment. But if you see your doctor because of symptoms of acute bronchitis, they will start with a physical exam.
During the exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs as you breathe, checking for symptoms such as wheezing. They may also ask about recent colds or viruses, and whether you have other problems breathing. If your doctor is uncertain about your diagnosis, they may suggest a chest X-ray. This test helps your doctor know if you have pneumonia. Blood tests and cultures might be needed if your doctor thinks you have another infection in addition to bronchitis.
In most cases, treatment is largely comprised of home care. Looking to try one of these easy remedies? Grab a humidifier , some ginger tea , and dark honey online now and start feeling better sooner. They can prescribe inhaled medication to help open your airways. When you feel sick, you may really hope your doctor will prescribe medication to make you feel better.
However, if you have acute bronchitis and are at high risk of pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics during cold and flu season. This is because acute bronchitis can develop into pneumonia, and antibiotics could help prevent this from happening.
Children are more likely to develop acute bronchitis than the average adult. In most cases, antibiotics are not needed to treat acute bronchitis. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. If it has progressed to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary. Acute bronchitis can worsen and progress to chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. If this happens, a different treatment may be necessary. However, there are shots you can get to prevent its complications, such as pneumonia.
Check with your healthcare provider about getting the flu and pneumococcal shots. Getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia. The pneumococcal shot can protect you from a common form of bacterial pneumonia. Most often, bronchitis resolves on its own. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes acute bronchitis? What are the symptoms acute bronchitis?
Symptoms may include: Back and muscle pain Cough, first dry non-productive , later, a lot of mucus is produced Chest soreness Chills Feeling tired and achy Headache Runny nose Slight fever Shortness of breath Sore throat Watery eyes Wheezing The symptoms of acute bronchitis may look like other conditions or medical problems.
How is acute bronchitis diagnosed? Any of these tests may be used to help confirm a diagnosis: Chest X-rays. A test that uses invisible radiation beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs. Arterial blood gas. This blood test is used to analyze the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is also possible to breathe in the virus if it is suspended in airborne droplets. Bronchitis can also be triggered by breathing in irritant substances, such as smog, chemicals in household products or tobacco smoke. Smoking is the main cause of long-term chronic bronchitis, and it can affect people who inhale second-hand smoke, as well as smokers themselves.
Read information about treatments to quit smoking. You may also be at risk of bronchitis and other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD if you are often exposed to materials that can damage your lungs, such as:. This is sometimes referred to as 'occupational bronchitis', and usually eases once you are no longer exposed to the irritant substance. Read more information about the causes of COPD.
Most cases of bronchitis do not require treatment from a GP, and the symptoms can be easily managed at home. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but healthy living will help. In particular, you should stop smoking , if you smoke. There is little evidence that cough medicines work — read more about treating coughs. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency MHRA has recommended that over-the-counter cough medicines should not be given to children under the age of six.
As an alternative to an over-the-counter cough medicine, try making your own mixture of honey and lemon, which can help soothe a sore throat and ease your cough. If you smoke, you should stop immediately. Smoking aggravates bronchitis and increases your risk of developing a long-term chronic condition. Stopping smoking while you have bronchitis can also be the perfect opportunity to quit altogether. Although treatment from a GP is rarely necessary, there may be times when you should see one — read more about when to see your GP.
Your GP will not routinely prescribe antibiotics , as bronchitis is nearly always caused by a virus. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, and prescribing them when they are unnecessary can, over time, make bacteria more resistant to antibiotic treatment. Your GP will only prescribe antibiotics if you have an increased risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia.
Antibiotics may be recommended for:. If you are prescribed antibiotics for bronchitis, it is likely to be a five-day course of amoxicillin, oxytetracycline or doxycycline. Possible side effects of these medicines include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but they are uncommon.
Stopping smoking is also very important if you have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or COPD. Read more about the treatment of COPD. Home Illnesses and conditions Lungs and airways Bronchitis. Bronchitis See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About bronchitis 2. Symptoms of bronchitis 3. Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so this type of medication isn't useful in most cases of bronchitis.
The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition. Although a single episode of bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Repeated bouts of bronchitis, however, may mean that you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Acute bronchitis: Is it contagious? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references What is bronchitis?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Jan.
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