What is acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is a temporary inflammation of the lower respiratory airways (bronchi). It is commonly caused by a cold virus and typically resolves on its own within a few days to a few weeks. Medication is usually not necessary but may help alleviate symptoms.
At a Glance
- In acute bronchitis, the lower respiratory airways (bronchi) are temporarily inflamed.
- Coughing usually starts as a dry, irritating cough and later becomes a “productive cough” when mucus is expelled from the airways.
- Symptoms generally resolve on their own within a few weeks; medication is often not required.
- Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses.
Note: The information in this text does not replace a doctor’s examination and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.
What is Acute Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is the temporary inflammation of the lower respiratory airways (bronchi). It is often caused by cold viruses and frequently occurs with or after a cold.
Acute bronchitis generally heals on its own within a few weeks. Medication is often not necessary but can help relieve symptoms.
A persistent cough can be a symptom even after acute bronchitis has resolved. While acute bronchitis can be bothersome and lingering, it is usually not serious in healthy individuals.
What are the Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis?
The primary symptom of acute bronchitis is coughing. Initially, the cough is usually dry and irritating. It then often turns into a productive cough, where mucus is expelled from the respiratory tract. The color of the mucus may change over time, for example, from whitish to yellowish-green.
The cough often occurs at night, which can disrupt sleep. A severe cough may also cause pain behind the breastbone and can make breathing difficult for some individuals.
If Acute Bronchitis Occurs with a Cold:
When acute bronchitis occurs with a cold, it is often accompanied by other symptoms such as mild fever, runny nose, sore throat, and hoarseness.
When a sore throat or runny nose turns into a persistent cough, many people consult their doctor. Since acute bronchitis generally does not require medication, most doctors do not prescribe treatments. Employees may be given sick leave to recover at home.
When children have fever and cough, parents often ask themselves, “Do we need to see a doctor?” Acute bronchitis in children usually resolves on its own. Therefore, staying at home is generally not harmful.
For individuals with a weakened immune system or chronic heart or lung diseases, the situation is different. It may be sensible to see a doctor even with mild symptoms.
What Causes Acute Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by viruses. Many different viruses that also cause respiratory infections like the common cold, flu, or sinus infections can be responsible. Bacteria or inhaled harmful substances (such as dust containing sulfur or heavy metals) are much less likely to cause acute bronchitis. In rare cases, fungi can also cause acute bronchitis.
Viruses or bacteria enter the bronchi when inhaled. They can become trapped in the mucous membrane and multiply. The body responds to invaders with inflammation. The affected mucous membrane becomes more nourished with blood and swells. Defense cells fight the pathogens in the inflamed area.
The mucous membrane produces more fluid and mucus to help loosen and cough up viruses, bacteria, and dead cells more easily. When you cough, mucus droplets mixed with pathogens are released into the air and can spread to others. This mode of transmission is known as droplet infection.
How Common is Acute Bronchitis?
Coughing is one of the most common reasons to visit a family doctor. Approximately 5 out of 100 people see a doctor for acute bronchitis each year. Most cases occur during cold seasons, i.e., autumn and winter.
If the lungs are not damaged, acute bronchitis usually heals on its own without any lasting effects. Symptoms like a runny nose or fever typically improve within a few days. However, the cough may persist for several weeks.
If a cough lasts more than 8 weeks, it should be evaluated by a doctor. Other conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, may also be causing the symptoms.
How to Prevent Acute Bronchitis:
To prevent transmission, maintaining good hygiene is essential for all respiratory infections: Regular hand washing and avoiding touching your face can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
To protect others from infection, it is important to:
- Cough into the inside of your elbow rather than your hands
- Dispose of used tissues immediately
- Avoid handshakes, hugs, or kisses
- Stay at home if possible during a cold
There are studies examining the effectiveness of vitamin supplements, probiotics, herbal remedies, or regular exercise. However, there is no clear conclusion on whether these measures provide protection against respiratory infections.
How is Acute Bronchitis Diagnosed?
If the cough persists, your doctor will typically ask the following questions:
- How long have you had the cough?
- Has the cough changed in any way?
- Is the cough dry or productive? What does the mucus look like?
- Are there any other symptoms like fever or circulatory issues, or were they present previously?
- How sick do you feel?
- Do you have any other – possibly chronic – conditions?
Based on the answers, it is often possible to determine whether it is acute bronchitis or another condition.
How is Acute Bronchitis Treated?
Acute bronchitis generally heals on its own without treatment. If you feel weak and ill, you should rest for a few days. This means avoiding exercise or other strenuous physical activities. Most people find warm tea or broth helpful. There is no scientific proof that drinking more fluids accelerates recovery.
Medication is usually not required. However, medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may sometimes help relieve symptoms like fever and pain.
Important Information: Cough suppressants or expectorants that facilitate mucus clearance have not been sufficiently researched. Cough suppressants should only be used for a short period and only in cases of dry, unbearable coughs that prevent sleep. Otherwise, these medications can eliminate the function of coughing to expel mucus and foreign bodies. Herbal remedies may provide some relief from coughing.
Since acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, antibiotics are not very helpful. They can have side effects and may lead to resistance. Therefore, antibiotics are not recommended for the treatment of bronchitis.
