Acute bronchitis is a lung infection, caused by a virus. Bronchitis is typically accompanied by a fever, chills, body aches, and coughing. Some patients may experience wheezing and fatigue, and others will have a nonproductive cough. Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own, but some people have long-lasting effects that lead to chronic bronchitis.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your healthcare provider. Your doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. You may need antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. However, antibiotics are not effective against the most common cause of acute bronchitis, a virus. Antibiotics can be harmful, so you should be careful about taking them.
If you or a loved one have a fever, it is important to see your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor will want to rule out any other health conditions that could be causing the fever. They can do this by performing a physical exam. This includes measuring your spirometer, which is a device that measures the volume of air in your lungs.
If your doctor has ruled out other conditions, they may order a chest x-ray. This will give your physician a better idea of the severity of your bronchitis and whether you need further treatment.
Your healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms, including your cough. If your cough is persistent or your mucus is discolored, it is a sign that your bronchitis is bacterial and should prompt your doctor to check it out.
If your cough is not productive, your healthcare provider may suggest a steroid medication to help you breathe. Steroids work by reducing inflammation within the bronchial tubes. Taking this type of medication will break the cycle of a cough that produces sputum.
In addition, you should avoid irritants, which can lead to acute bronchitis. This means you should limit your exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, and fumes. Also, use a humidifier in your room to help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
After a few days, you may begin to feel more comfortable. Depending on the severity of your bronchitis, you may have a cough that lingers for weeks. Children with acute bronchitis might have a dry cough, which is often accompanied by gagging and vomiting.
The most common symptoms of acute bronchitis include a cough that is not productive, a low fever, and a runny or stuffy nose. These symptoms usually last for three to four weeks.
In some cases, a respiratory infection or a pulmonary disease that you have had for a long time, such as asthma or pneumonia, can also trigger acute bronchitis. You may need additional treatments. To prevent acute bronchitis, you should avoid tobacco, avoid breathing in smoke and other fumes, and take the recommended vaccinations.
During an acute bronchitis attack, your body is unable to properly repair itself. This can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia and acute respiratory failure.
