This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages (bronchi) that connect the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs. Acute bronchitis is an upper respiratory infection and may follow a cold or other viral infections.
Any of 30 different viruses, various chemical agents or bacteria can cause acute bronchitis. Being exposed to high levels of pollution, strong fumes (such as ammonia or chlorine), dust or tobacco smoke may contribute to the onset. Being fatigued or undernourished may make you more susceptible. Bronchitis occurs most frequently in the winter months.
Those most likely to get acute bronchitis are babies, the elderly, people with emphysema and those who smoke or live with smokers. People who live in areas with a high level of air pollution are also at greater risk.
The symptoms of acute bronchitis are like those of a bad cold. You may have a dry cough at first, but people with acute bronchitis usually cough up sputum that is green or yellow. Other signs of acute bronchitis are wheezing (a whistling sound) and feeling short of breath.
Most cases of acute bronchitis are mild and last only for a few days. In a more serious case, a fever up to 102 degrees may last three to five days. The symptoms will then usually improve although the cough may last for several weeks.
Acute bronchitis is usually diagnosed by the symptoms. Occasionally a chest x-ray will be done to look for other diseases such as pneumonia. If the symptoms are severe or last longer than the usual course of acute bronchitis, a blood test or sputum test may be done.
The usual treatment for acute bronchitis is to relieve the symptoms. You may want to rest in bed until the fever subsides, drink plenty of fluids and use an analgesic (aspirin or Tylenol) for the muscle aches and pains. A humidifier or vaporizer may also help to relieve the cough.
Occasionally acute bronchitis may get worse and develop into pneumonia, an infection in your lungs. You need to call your doctor if you have severe breathlessness, if you are not improving after three days, if your temperature is higher than 101 degrees or if you cough up blood.
Your doctor may order antibiotics for you if you also have emphysema, if you have a high fever for several days, or if your sputum looks like it contains bacteria. A cough suppressant may help if your cough keeps your awake at night. If your have emphysema, it is important to ask your doctor before you take any cough medications since they may interact with the medications you are already taking or cause you increased breathing difficulties.
Acute bronchitis may start suddenly and does not usually last very long. Most cases of acute bronchitis clear up without further treatment or problems. If bronchitis continues to reoccur, it may actually be asthma. You may want to discuss this possibility with your doctor. Avoiding smoke or other irritants (like strong scented cleaners) may help lessen the symptoms.
If you are a smoker, you may want to stop smoking permanently to help prevent further episodes of acute bronchitis. Ask your nurse or doctor for information, or call the Planetree Health Resource Center.
Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.
Planetree Health Fact Sheets are developed by Planetree, Inc., a non-profit consumer health organization, founded in 1978. The Planetree Alliance includes hospitals and libraries which, among many other patient-centered concepts, promote the importance of access to health information for patients, families, and community. For more information regarding affiliation with the international Planetree Alliance, call (203) 732-1365 or visit Planetree, Inc. at www.planetree.org.