BRONCHITIS OVERVIEW
Bronchitis develops when there is swelling and irritation of the bronchi, the large tubes that carry air to the lungs (figure 1). There are two types of bronchitis: acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-standing).
Acute bronchitis often occurs with a viral infection, such as the common cold, and is sometimes called a "chest cold”. The most common symptom of acute bronchitis is a nagging cough. Treatment of acute bronchitis usually involves treating the symptoms, such as sore throat and congestion. Antibiotics do not help to eliminate acute bronchitis caused by a virus. Antiviral agents are useful in some cases of acute bronchitis due to influenza, but there are no antiviral agents for other forms of viral bronchitis.
This article will review the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of acute bronchitis. Articles that discuss the common cold and sore throat are also available. (See "Patient information: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient information: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics)".)
Chronic bronchitis is discussed separately. (See "Patient information: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema (Beyond the Basics)".) More detailed information about acute bronchitis is available by subscription. (See "Acute bronchitis in adults".)
BRONCHITIS CAUSES
Most cases of bronchitis are caused by a viral infection of the upper airways, such as the common cold or the flu. Less commonly, a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis, which causes pertussis (whooping cough), is the cause. (See 'Whooping cough' below.)
BRONCHITIS SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms of acute bronchitis include:
- A persistent cough; this may last 10 to 20 days
- Some people cough up mucus, which may be clear, yellow, or green in color
Fever is not common in people with acute bronchitis. However, having a fever can be a sign of another condition, such as the flu or pneumonia. (See "Patient information: Influenza symptoms and treatment (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient information: Pneumonia in adults (Beyond the Basics)".)
Conditions with similar features — There are other conditions that have symptoms similar to those of acute bronchitis.
BRONCHITIS DIAGNOSIS
Most people who have a persistent cough after an upper respiratory infection (cold) do not need to see a healthcare provider. Diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, cultures, and blood tests, are not usually needed for people with acute bronchitis. However, testing may be recommended if your diagnosis is not clear based upon your examination or if another condition, such as pneumonia, is suspected.
When to seek help — You should call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
- Fever (temperature greater than 100.4º F or 38º C)
- A cough that lasts longer than 10 days
- Chest pain with coughing, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood
- A barking cough that makes it hard to speak, especially if it persists
- Cough accompanied by unexplained weight loss
People who are older than 75 do not always have a fever or other concerning symptoms. If you are over 75 years and you have a persistent cough, you should call your clinician to determine if and when an office visit is recommended.
BRONCHITIS TREATMENT
Relief of symptoms — There is no specific treatment for bronchitis. There are a few treatments available for the common cold. (See "Patient information: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics)".)
- A nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (ibuprofen, naproxen), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can help to relieve the pain of a sore throat or headache.
- Heated, humidified, air can improve symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose, and has few to no side effects.
- Cough suppressant medications have not been shown to be helpful for most patients.
- Inhaler medications, commonly used for patients with asthma, are only helpful for those patients whose symptoms include wheezing or airflow obstruction and would require prescription.
Antibiotics — Antibiotics are NOT helpful for most people with bronchitis since the illness is typically caused by a virus. Antibiotics treat bacterial, not viral infections.
Many people request antibiotics in the hopes that it will get rid of the cough, and some people even think that antibiotics have helped on previous occasions. However, there is no benefit of antibiotics for most cases of bronchitis.
Whooping cough — Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium, Bordetella pertussis. A vaccine is routinely given during childhood, and again during adolescence or adulthood, to reduce the risk of becoming infected with pertussis. However, the illness can still develop in those who were vaccinated. (See "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infections in adolescents and adults".)
Signs of whooping cough in adults include repeated "spasms" of severe coughing, sometimes followed by vomiting. Whooping cough often occurs as outbreaks, usually involving people who are incompletely immunized. If whooping cough is suspected, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotics will not help the cough, but can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. (See "Treatment and prevention of Bordetella pertussis infection in adolescents and adults".)
PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS
Hand washing is an essential and highly effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Wet your hands with water and plain soap and rub them together for 15 to 30 seconds. Pay special attention to the fingernails, between the fingers, and the wrists. Rinse your hands thoroughly, and dry with a single use towel.
Alcohol-based hand rubs are a good alternative for disinfecting hands if a sink is not available. Spread the hand rub over the entire surface of your hands, fingers, and wrists until dry. You can use hand rubs repeatedly without irritating the skin or losing effectiveness. Hand rubs are available as a liquid or wipe in small, portable sizes that are easy to carry in a pocket or handbag. When a sink is available, you should wash visibly soiled hands with soap and water.
Wash your hands before preparing food and eating; after going to the bathroom; and after coughing, blowing the nose, or sneezing. While it is not always possible to limit contact with people who are ill, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after direct contact, when possible.
In addition, use a tissue to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Throw away used tissues promptly and then wash your hands. Sneezing/coughing into the sleeve of your clothing (at the inner elbow) is another way of containing sprays of saliva and secretions and does not contaminate your hands. Sneezing and coughing without covering your mouth can spread infection to anyone within six feet.
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION
Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.
This article will be updated as needed on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below.
Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.
The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.
Patient information: Acute bronchitis (The Basics)
Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed. These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.
Patient information: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Influenza symptoms and treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Pneumonia in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Chronic cough in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies) (Beyond the Basics)
Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.
Acute bronchitis in adults
Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infections in adolescents and adults
Management of infection in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Etiology and evaluation of hemoptysis in adults
Fluoroquinolones
Respiratory syncytial virus infection: Clinical features and diagnosis
The common cold in adults: Treatment and prevention
Treatment and prevention of Bordetella pertussis infection in adolescents and adults
The following organizations also provide reliable health information.
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