Bronchitis: Signs, symptoms and treatments

[8 MIN READ] 

In this article:

• Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when your airways (called the bronchial tubes) become inflamed. They swell and fill up with mucus, causing a nagging cough. 

• Common symptoms of bronchitis include a persistent cough, mucus in the throat, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. 

• Acute bronchitis can be treated with cough suppressants, throat lozenges, ibuprofen or acetaminophen and a humidifier. Chronic bronchitis treatment may include an inhaler, medications, oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation. 

Bronchitis: Signs, symptoms and treatments

Bronchitis is a common condition that can affect anyone. It develops when your airways leading to your lungs (called the bronchial tubes) become inflamed and swollen and fill up with mucus. This causes a nagging cough as your body tries to get rid of the mucus. 

There are two types of bronchitis:

• Acute: Also called a chest cold, this is a temporary condition. It usually improves within a week to 10 days, but the cough can linger for up to four weeks.
• Chronic: This is a constant irritation or inflammation in the bronchial tubes and is more serious. It lasts for at least three months and comes back at least two years in a row.

“About five percent of the population gets acute bronchitis, but in my practice, it increases to about 30 percent during the winter,” says Viviana Ionescu-Tiba, M.D., a family medicine physician in the Facey Medical Group. “This is because of colder, drier air and people spending time indoors where they’re more likely to get an infection.”

Causes and risk factors

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection like the common cold, flu, RSV or COVID-19. Sometimes, it can be due to a bacterial infection, fungal infection or lung irritants such as tobacco smoke, dust, air pollution and vapors.

For chronic bronchitis, the most common cause is cigarette smoking. Exposure to air pollution and toxic chemical fumes also can cause it.

Factors that can increase your risk of getting bronchitis include: 

• Age, especially older adults, infants and young children
• Allergies
• Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing issues
• Autoimmune disorders such as cystic fibrosis
• Chronic acid reflux (GERD)
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Family history of COPD
• Pollution
• Smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or marijuana

Signs and symptoms of bronchitis

The symptoms for acute and chronic bronchitis are the same. You may have a few or many, and they may start mildly and get worse. They include:   

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Mild headache
• Mucus in the throat (clear, white, yellow or green)
• Persistent cough
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Wheezing 

Most cases of acute bronchitis can be managed at home. But talk to your doctor if your cough hasn’t gone away after two to three weeks or gets worse.

“Most patients come to me when they have a fever and shortness of breath,” says Dr. Ionescu-Tiba. “They’ve tried remedies at home and aren’t getting better.”

Chronic bronchitis symptoms persist for months or come and go over time. It also can lead to COPD or lung damage, so it’s important to talk to your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you: 

• Are pale and lethargic
• Can’t sleep due to coughing
• Cough up blood
• Feel chest pain
• Have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Have trouble breathing

While there isn’t one test for bronchitis, your doctor typically will discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam and listen to your lungs. You may also have a nasal swab to check for viruses, a blood test to look for signs of infection or a chest X-ray to rule out other conditions. 

Bronchitis treatment

Bronchitis isn’t contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are. They can spread to other people from close contact, such as shaking hands or touching the same surfaces. They also can spread in the air when you cough, sneeze or speak. 

Acute bronchitis often goes away without treatment. But there are things you can do to feel better, Dr. Ionescu-Tiba says. These include:

• Clear your nasal passages with a neti-pot
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or scarf in cold air
• Drink plenty of fluids, including hot tea or water with honey
• Rest and sleep
• Run a humidifier or take warm showers
• Suck on throat lozenges
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Try an over-the-counter cough suppressant medicine
• Use an inhaler 

If your bronchitis is caused by the flu, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine. If your symptoms have lasted longer than 10 days and you have a bacterial infection, you may get an antibiotic. Some doctors also prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation.

Chronic bronchitis can lead to serious complications like lung or heart damage and other illnesses. Treatments for chronic bronchitis can include: 

• Inhaler
• Medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
• Mucus-clearing device
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Smoking cessation

Bronchitis and pneumonia

Bronchitis and pneumonia are both lung conditions that cause a cough and make it hard to breathe. Acute bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, although this is rare, Dr. Ionescu-Tiba says. But chronic bronchitis can increase the risk of pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infection in the tiny air sacs in your lungs called alveoli. They can swell and fill with fluid or pus. It can be caused by the same viruses that lead to colds and the flu, bacteria, fungi or certain chemicals.

This serious condition can be mild or can lead to respiratory failure, organ damage, shock, sepsis and even death.

Your risk of getting pneumonia after bronchitis increases if you have chronic health conditions like heart failure or lung, liver or kidney disease. You’re also at a higher risk if you have a weakened immune system due to age, certain medications, chemotherapy and other issues.

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to bronchitis, but some can help distinguish it. These include:

• Body aches and chills
• Confusion, especially in older people
• Heavy sweating and clammy, damp skin
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting, particularly in children 

Only your doctor can accurately diagnose bronchitis and pneumonia. Contact your doctor if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, a fever that stays at 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or another chronic illness. 

Treatment for pneumonia depends on what kind it is, such as bacterial, fungal or viral. For bacterial pneumonia, you’ll get an antibiotic; if it’s fungal, you’ll get an anti-fungal medicine; and if it’s viral, you may be prescribed an antiviral drug.

Other treatment options are the same as those for bronchitis. If you have severe pneumonia, you may need to stay in the hospital for IV fluids and medicine.

Protecting your health

Bronchitis and pneumonia are treatable conditions with similar symptoms. But you can help reduce your risk.

“You should boost your immune system by taking vitamins C and D, along with zinc – especially in winter,” Dr. Ionescu-Tiba suggests. “Also, reduce the spread of infections by covering your cough, washing your hands frequently, staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with people who are ill.”

Other recommendations include:

• Avoid cigarette smoke, fumes and air pollution
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get the flu vaccination each year
• Get the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine if you’re a smoker or over age 65
• Minimize exposure to triggers (pets, dust, pollen) if you have asthma or allergies
• Quit smoking
• Run a humidifier
• Wear a face mask if you’re exposed to fumes or in a large crowd indoors

“We have many ways to treat bronchitis and pneumonia,” Dr. Ionescu-Tiba says. “People should always see their doctor if their symptoms aren’t getting better or if they have concerns.”

Contributing caregiver 

Viviana Ionescu-Tiba, M.D., is a family medicine physician in the Facey Medical Group in Northridge, California. 

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Related resources

Pneumonia is a widespread but treatable illness 

Breathe easier by understanding COPD

Healthy hot beverages to boost your immunity this winter 

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.