What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is when the airways that carry air to and from your lungs become inflamed. People with bronchitis often cough up thick, discolored mucus. It can start suddenly and be short-term (acute) or develop slowly and last a long time (chronic).
Types of Bronchitis
There are two main types of bronchitis that a person can experience.
- Acute: Acute bronchitis is similar to a chest cold, usually lasting under three weeks. Current guidelines do not recommend using antibiotics for uncomplicated acute bronchitis in otherwise healthy individuals, as they are unlikely to be effective, given that the most common cause is a viral infection.
- Chronic: Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than three months and occur repeatedly over a span of two or more years. Prolonged exposure to smoke, air pollution, dust or toxic gases can contribute to its development. Managing chronic bronchitis often involves the use of bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medications and chest physical therapy to help loosen mucus in the lungs.
Causes
Bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, but it can also be triggered by a variety of other factors that irritate the airways. These include both infectious and noninfectious causes, such as:
- Viruses: Viruses responsible for bronchitis include influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, common cold and coronavirus.
- Bacteria: Bacterial illnesses that can lead to bronchitis include whooping cough and walking pneumonia.
- Pollution: Environmental pollutants can also irritate the airways and contribute to bronchitis.
Symptoms
If you have acute bronchitis, you may experience symptoms similar to a cold. Although these symptoms typically improve within a week, you may be left with a persistent cough that can last for several weeks. Possible symptoms include:
- Cough
- Mucus production (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green and occasionally streaked with blood
- Sore throat
- Mild headache and body aches
- Low-grade fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
When dealing with chronic bronchitis, you’ll experience similar symptoms, but with the added complication of long-lasting effects. This includes a persistent cough that lasts for at least three months, along with flare-ups that occur for at least two consecutive years.
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
Many people wonder if bronchitis is contagious. While bronchitis itself is not contagious, the viral or bacterial infections that lead to it can be.
How to Prevent Bronchitis
Bronchitis often starts with a respiratory infection, so it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of getting a virus. To prevent bronchitis:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
- Stay up to date on all vaccines, including the flu and pneumonia vaccines (especially if you’re over 65 or at high risk).
- Cover your cough and stay home when you’re sick.
- Avoid smoking and other irritants, as they can worsen acute bronchitis.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids if you’re feeling sick to help prevent the infection from leading to bronchitis.
Home Remedies to Help Treat Bronchitis
In most cases, bronchitis is a result of a virus, and antibiotics are not helpful in treating it. However, home remedies can help provide relief.
- Breathing Steam: Inhaling steam, such as from a hot shower or a pot of simmering water, can help loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up or blow out.
- Use a Humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, soothing your airways and helping to break up mucus. Make sure to clean it daily to avoid bacteria buildup.
- Gargling Saltwater: Gargling with warm saltwater can hydrate and soothe a sore throat while helping to break up mucus. Avoid using water that’s too hot.
- Saline Drops or Spray: Using a saline spray or drops can clear mucus from your nose, providing relief from congestion and helping you feel better while you recover.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce airway irritation and soothe a cough. Try adding it to tea or recipes.
- Rest: Getting enough rest is vital for recovery, especially since most bronchitis cases are viral. Resting and avoiding talking too much can help reduce irritation to your airways.
- Drink Broth: Drinking warm broth or plenty of fluids hydrates your body, helps loosen mucus, and provides nutrients to aid recovery.
- Try Honey: Honey has been shown to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Add it to tea or take it by the spoonful. However, avoid giving honey to infants under 1 year old.
While most cases of bronchitis can be treated at home, you should consult a health care provider if you develop a fever, if your symptoms don’t improve after 10 days, or if they start to get worse. If you experience shortness of breath or start coughing up blood, seek medical attention immediately.
A physical exam is typically enough for diagnosis, but sometimes additional tests like an X-ray may be required. If you frequently get bronchitis, it’s important to speak with your doctor for further assessment and possible treatment.
UofL Health is Here for You
UofL Health has several primary care providers in Kentucky and Indiana who can diagnose and help treat bronchitis. If you need a primary care provider, visit UofL Physicians – Primary Care or call 502-588-4343 to find a provider near you. If your bronchitis symptoms are more severe, visit a UofL Health – Urgent Care Plus location.
The Pulmonary Rehab Program at UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute serves patients with chronic bronchitis and other disorders that compromise respiratory function. Our pulmonary rehab mission for all programs is to restore the patient to the highest possible level of independent function. To schedule an appointment, call 502-582-7620.
