When bronchitis is acute, it means it shouldn’t last long. But it can still make you miserable. Let’s get you breathing easy again.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of your breathing tubes (airways) called bronchi. This causes increased production of mucus and other changes, and although there are several different types of bronchitis, they fall into two categories: acute and chronic. “Acute” means that the bronchitis is likely to not last long, and that it’s a temporary condition. Bronchitis is “chronic” when cough and expectoration occur most days for at least three months per year, and for two years in a row.
The following are the most common symptoms for acute bronchitis. However, you may experience symptoms differently – and these symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems, so it’s always best to talk with your doctor. Acute bronchitis symptoms include:
Acute bronchitis is usually diagnosed by completing a medical history and physical examination. Many tests may be ordered to rule out other diseases, such as pneumonia or asthma. The following tests may be ordered to help confirm a diagnosis:
Specific treatment for acute bronchitis will be determined by your doctor based on your age, overall health, medical history, the extent of the disease and your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies. In most cases, antibiotic treatment is not necessary to treat acute bronchitis, since most of the infections are caused by viruses. If the condition has progressed to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be appropriate. Most treatments are used to relieve symptoms, and may include:
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