Most people with acute bronchitis will feel better with time and rest. If you are very unwell or not getting better, or if you get worse, see your doctor. See your doctor if your cough lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks.
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.
DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Acute Bronchitis:
DO avoid smoky environments. DO drink plenty of noncaffeinated fluids, such as water and fruit juices. DO get plenty of rest. DO use a room humidifier or damp towels for increased humidity in your room.
Most cases of bronchitis can be treated easily at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and plenty of fluids. You only need to see your GP if your symptoms are severe or unusual – for example, if: your cough is severe or lasts longer than three weeks.
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.
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.
Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and often follows a cold or flu. Antibiotics usually do not help acute bronchitis, and they may be harmful. Experts recommend that you not use antibiotics to try to relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis if you have no other health problems.
In addition to lab tests, sputum or mucus from a cough can be visually examined to determine whether bronchitis is viral, bacterial, or both. Clear or white mucus often indicates a viral infection, while yellow or green mucus may suggest a bacterial infection.
If you have acute bronchitis that's getting worse, you could have an infection that requires antibiotics. Most cases of bronchitis clear up on their own, but not all of them. if you have any underlying health conditions, you're at a higher risk to have bronchitis that can't go away on it's own.
To diagnose bronchitis, your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Your provider may also order a blood test to look for signs of infection, or a chest X-ray to check whether your lungs and bronchial tubes look normal.
Most people DO NOT need antibiotics for acute bronchitis caused by a virus. The infection will almost always go away on its own within 1 week. Doing these things may help you feel better: Drink plenty of fluids.
The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough. This is usually a dry cough at first, but it may later develop into a phlegmy cough, where you cough up mucus (sputum). Doctors call this a "productive" cough.
Bronchitis occurs when your bronchial tubes become inflamed. These tubes carry air to your lungs. The symptoms may include bibasilar crackles, a severe cough which brings up mucus, and wheezing.
Asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis are common lung diseases that can send both kids and adults to the emergency room. All of these conditions can lead to difficulty breathing and at times may be considered a medical emergency.
Difficulty Breathing
Also, if your nails or lips start to turn blue or gray, or if you become tired because you have to work so hard to breathe, go to an emergency center.
If you have bronchitis and you have trouble breathing, call 911 or seek emergency help immediately. There are other reasons why you should see your doctor for bronchitis treatment if you are not getting better at home. These include: You are still coughing after 3 or 4 weeks.
Bronchitis is a type of upper respiratory infection that's especially common during the wintertime. Bronchitis often rises in the number of cases along with the cold, flu, pneumonia, and sinus infections. If bronchitis goes untreated it will get worse and can even require hospitalization.