Most people get over an acute bout of bronchitis in two to three weeks, although the cough can sometimes hang on for four weeks or more. If you're in otherwise good health, your lungs will return to normal after you've recovered from the initial infection.
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. You should call your doctor if: You continue to wheeze and cough for more than 2 weeks, especially at night when you lie down or when you are active.
Symptoms of acute bronchitis typically start with a runny nose, sore throat, productive cough, and low-grade fever. Three or four days later, a dry, hacking cough may develop. Most cases of acute bronchitis last between three and 10 days.
Chronic bronchitis symptoms appear gradually and usually worsen over time. Acute bronchitis may also cause a low grade fever. People with chronic bronchitis may also have frequent respiratory infections and shortness of breath.
The illness typically peaks around day 3 to 5 with a resolution of the wheeze and respiratory distress over 7 – 10 days. The cough may continue for up to 4 weeks.
Air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust also can make chronic bronchitis worse. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines can prevent serious illness from COVID-19.
If you have symptoms of bronchitis, stay home to avoid spreading your viral infection to others. To properly treat your acute bronchitis, get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat your symptoms.
Such an infection is almost always caused by viruses, often the same viruses that cause throat and nose colds. These viruses damage the lining of the bronchial tubes, and it takes the body a long time to repair, even after the viruses are killed off.
This inflammation can also cause the membranes in the lining to start producing excess mucus, clogging the bronchi and restricting airflow to the lungs further. This triggers coughing (the most common symptom of bronchitis), which if persistent, can make you feel extremely tired.
The vast majority of cases of acute bronchitis are not life-threatening. But in rare cases, complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure, occur, which can be deadly.
Most cases of acute bronchitis get better without treatment, usually within a couple of weeks.
Bronchodilator Medications Inhaled as aerosol sprays or taken orally, bronchodilator medications may help to relieve symptoms of chronic bronchitis by relaxing and opening the air passages in the lungs. Steroids Inhaled as an aerosol spray, steroids can help relieve symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
Symptoms of bronchitis
The cough is worse and more noticeable in the morning because of pooling of secretions in the lying down position that get then mobilized with morning activities. Lying down at night may also result in cough because of the shifting or mobilization of the secretions.
Dr. Supakul says acute bronchitis symptoms usually get better in about a week, although the cough can last for many weeks afterward. While uncomfortable, the coughing is actually a good response. It helps clear much mucus from the air tubes.
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).
You need to seek immediate medical care if you have trouble catching your breath or the coughing gets so severe it keeps you up at night.
A hot drink made with honey and lemon juice is an old trick to help ease bronchitis symptoms, especially an irritated throat or dry cough. In addition to tasting and feeling good, it's a healthy drink that will help you get needed fluids.
A bronchitis cough sounds like a rattle with a wheezing or whistling sound. As your condition progresses, you will first have a dry cough that can then progress towards coughing up white mucus.
You should contact our ER near you if you experience the following symptoms while suffering from a bronchitis infection: If your cough persists for over three weeks. If your fever is above 100.4 F. I if you are having difficulties breathing.