What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs. It involves the inner lining of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air within the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and clogged with mucus.

Acute Bronchitis vs. Chronic Bronchitis

There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis (sometimes called a chest cold) is a viral illness. It develops from upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold and flu. Acute bronchitis typically goes away on its own in about 7-10 days, although a nagging cough can persist for a few weeks afterwards. Self-care is typically all that is needed for treating acute bronchitis. Learn the difference between Bronchitis Vs. Cold: Signs And Symptoms.

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term illness where a cough with mucus is present on most days for at least a 3-month period within a span of two years. While chronic bronchitis never really goes away, it can be managed.

Bacterial Infection vs. Viral Infection

Acute bronchitis is a viral infection in 85%-95% of cases in healthy adults. However, bacteria can cause bronchitis in people with underlying health problems. It’s important to avoid acute bronchitis if possible because repeated infections can develop into chronic bronchitis.

Note: Antibiotics cannot treat bronchitis since it is a viral illness in most cases.

Smoke, dust, air pollutants, toxic gasses, and other inhaled irritants are the most common causes of chronic bronchitis.

Learn more: Bacterial vs Viral Infection: What’s the Difference?

Is Bronchitis the Same As Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Acute bronchitis is a viral infection that goes away on its own in most cases.

Is Bronchitis Contagious?

Acute bronchitis is contagious because it is a viral infection. Bronchitis caused by bacteria is also contagious and can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.

Chronic bronchitis is not contagious because it is caused by prolonged exposure to lung irritants, such as cigarette smoke.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Persistent cough is the main symptom of bronchitis, both acute and chronic. Other symptoms of bronchitis include:

Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
Mucus - this can be clear, white, yellow, green, or gray in color
Chest discomfort
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Low-grade fever and chills

Less common bronchitis symptoms include dry cough, mucus streaked with blood, coughing up blood, sore throat, and a stuffy or runny nose.

Causes and Risk Factors

Acute bronchitis is mainly a viral illness and is typically caused by the same viruses that cause cold and flu illnesses. Chronic bronchitis occurs from prolonged exposure to inhaled irritants.

Anyone can get bronchitis, but some people are at a higher risk. Risk factors for bronchitis include:

Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to air pollution or inhaled irritants
Breathing conditions like asthma and COPD
Medical conditions such as chronic acid reflux
Autoimmune disorders
Weakened immune system

Home Remedies and Natural Solutions

Hydration and Warm Liquids

Staying well hydrated helps to soothe a dry throat. It also loosens the thick mucus that’s blocking your airways. This reduces discomfort from chest congestion when you have bronchitis.

Sip on herbal teas or warm water with honey and lemon. Try and stick with caffeine-free drinks. Avoid hot tea as it can burn your throat and cause more irritation.

Find out “How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?”

Gargling Salt Water

Warm salt water gargles can ease throat irritation caused by bronchitis and also get rid of some of the mucus in your throat. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, gargle it, and spit it out. You can do this several times a day. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, or it can burn your mouth and throat.

Humidifier and Steam

Dry air can further irritate your airways and worsen bronchitis symptoms. Breathing moist air with the use of a humidifier can help you breathe easier and clear the congestion in your chest. Make sure you keep the humidifier clean. Dirty humidifiers can grow bacteria and mold, causing more health problems.

Steam inhalation can also break up mucus and provide quick relief from symptoms of bronchitis. The easiest way to do this is to get in a steamy shower or bath. You can also inhale steam from a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head. Be careful not to use water that’s too hot, and take frequent breaks every 1-2 minutes if you use the bowl and towel method.

Herbal Remedies and Vitamin Supplements

Various herbal products and vitamin supplements have been studied for their ability to cure infectious illnesses. However, none have been proven effective. There are small studies that suggest supplements such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, thyme, eucalyptus, and primrose may help with bronchitis symptoms. Some of these substances have anti-inflammatory effects.

Consuming ginger, garlic, and turmeric in small amounts is safe for most people. Check with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have underlying health problems. Eating a healthy diet will ensure you get all the nutrients you need to help your body fight the infection.

Pros and Cons of Home Remedies

Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own without treatment. The pros of self-treatment at home are that you can manage symptoms and stay comfortable during the healing process. Self-care methods are typically natural and safe and don’t have any side effects. The cons are that home treatments are not guaranteed to work and may even be harmful for some people.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Bronchitis

Over-the-counter medicines can help to manage your bronchitis symptoms and keep you comfortable. Treatment options include:

Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to help with acute bronchitis symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and throat pain
Expectorants such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin). This type of cough medicine can loosen thick, sticky mucus in your bronchial tubes.
Cough suppressants that block the urge to cough. They are typically not used for treating acute bronchitis, which is associated with a productive or wet cough (with mucus or phlegm). This is because suppressing the urge to cough can prevent the mucus from being coughed up and expelled from the lungs. However, a cough suppressant such as benzonatate or an antitussive such as dextromethorphan may help if a bronchitis cough is keeping you up at night.
Bronchodilators are medications that widen narrowed air passages. They are not useful in treating viral bronchitis because the airways are not narrowed. However, if you have allergies, asthma, or COPD, inhalers might help to reduce inflammation and open up your airways. Learn What to Do for an Asthma Attack Without an Inhaler?

Prescription Medications and Medical Interventions

Antibiotics: Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viral infections, and antibiotics are not effective. However, if your doctor suspects or confirms bacterial bronchitis, they may prescribe an antibiotic.
Steroids: Chronic bronchitis may be treated with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Learn about inhaled corticosteroids.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This is a program for patients with chronic bronchitis in which a respiratory therapist teaches breathing exercises to make breathing easier.

Common Questions About Bronchitis Recovery

How Do Doctors Diagnose Bronchitis?

Doctors can diagnose bronchitis based on your medical history, symptoms, and physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. In the early phase of the illness, acute bronchitis can resemble a common cold. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor may order tests such as:

Sputum tests on the mucus you cough up to look for signs of a bacterial infection
A chest X-ray to check for pneumonia
Pulmonary function tests to measure lung function (how much air your lungs hold) to check for breathing conditions such as asthma and COPD

What Can Be Mistaken for Bronchitis?

Common colds, flu, sinus infections, asthma, and chronic acid reflux can be mistaken for bronchitis. Only your healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in 2-3 weeks.

When Should I See a Doctor for Bronchitis Symptoms?

Make an appointment to see your healthcare provider if you have a cough and:

Your symptoms continue for more than 3 weeks
Symptoms are severe enough to keep you up at night
High fever (body temperature above 100.4 F or 38 C)
Blood-tinged or discolored mucus
Chest tightness or chest pain
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
You get sick frequently
You have an underlying condition that can affect your immunity

How to Prevent Bronchitis?

Here are some tips to lower your risk of developing bronchitis:

Avoid lung irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust, and air pollutants.
Wear a mask over your mouth and nose when you’re in crowded places and when you’re exposed to irritants such as chemical fumes, paint, or varnish.
Wash your hands frequently to lower your risk of catching viral infections.
Get the annual flu shot.

How Can I Make Bronchitis Go Away Faster?

You can make acute bronchitis go away faster by getting plenty of rest and sleep, staying well hydrated, and using self-care measures and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief while your body fights the infection.

How Can I Clear My Chest From Bronchitis?

Over-the-counter expectorants such as guaifenesin (Robitussin, Mucinex) can help to clear mucus from your chest if you have acute viral bronchitis.

What is the Best Medicine for Bronchitis?

The best medicines for bronchitis are expectorants to loosen and cough up mucus and anti-inflammatories and painkillers to manage symptoms such as fever, headache, and sore throat.

How Long Does It Take to Get Over Bronchitis?

It usually takes 7-10 days to get over an episode of viral bronchitis, although the cough can linger for several weeks afterwards.