It is respiratory virus season, and besides possibly developing a cold, flu or COVID-19, over 13 million individuals will develop another common ailment, acute bronchitis or also referred to as a chest cold. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, sometimes bacteria or lung irritant. Bronchitis is inflammation in the airways of the lungs, causing swelling and excess mucus production. This narrows your airways and causes a persistent cough which is the most common symptom. It can also cause wheezing, fatigue and shortness of breath. However, a more severe form called chronic bronchitis is a sign of a bigger problem. We spoke with Francesca Polverino, MD, PhD, a physician scientist and tenured associate professor of medicine at Baylor College who answered some of our most pressing questions about this condition.
Q: How contagious is bronchitis?
The term bronchitis means inflammation of the airways. Short-term or acute bronchitis is not contagious on its own. However, acute bronchitis is often caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu, and viruses are contagious, especially in the early stages when symptoms like coughing and sneezing can spread the virus. When the inflammation of the airways persists, it becomes chronic bronchitis, typically associated with long-term lung irritants such as smoking. Chronic bronchitis is one of the main diseases that comprise chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causing limited air in and out of the airways. Chronic bronchitis is also not contagious on its own. Simple hygiene practices like frequent hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, staying home when you are sick can help reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria that may cause acute bronchitis.
Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent bronchitis?
I always emphasize the importance of preventative measures—avoiding smoking, maintaining good hand hygiene, getting flu and COVID-19 (RSV, Tdap and pneumococcal pneumonia immunizations are also recommended for some patients) vaccines and addressing underlying conditions like asthma or COPD early on. If someone frequently experiences bronchitis, especially after exposure to certain environments, it's worth exploring the triggers or considering an underlying chronic lung condition that may need treatment such as asthma.
Q: How do I know if I have bronchitis? When should I see a doctor?
Bronchitis usually presents with a persistent cough, which may or may not be productive (bringing up mucus), along with fatigue, slight fever and chest discomfort. Most people with acute bronchitis will recover within two to three weeks, though the cough may linger a bit longer. If the cough lasts more than three weeks and is accompanied by a high fever or shortness of breath, if the mucus becomes bloody or if you are experiencing other severe or concerning symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional.
Bronchitis is rarely fatal in healthy individuals, but it can be more serious for older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. This is why it is especially important for people with chronic lung disease, like asthma or COPD, to seek advice sooner as bronchitis can exacerbate these conditions. Chronic bronchitis, as part of COPD, is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management and can contribute to mortality over time if not managed properly.
Q: Can bronchitis lead to more severe problems, like pneumonia?
Bronchitis doesn’t usually progress to pneumonia, but it can in some cases, particularly if the person has an underlying lung condition, a compromised immune system or if the bronchitis was caused by a bacterial infection, the illness can develop into pneumonia. For patients worried about this progression, I suggest learning the symptoms of pneumonia and stress the importance of following-up with your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen. Worsening symptoms may include a high fever, chest pains or difficulty breathing. In these cases, more aggressive treatment like antibiotics or even hospitalization might be necessary.
Q: What are some dos and don’ts for managing bronchitis?
Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve on their own within a couple of weeks. For treatment and management of bronchitis, I recommend plenty of fluids, rest, and using a humidifier to ease breathing. Over-the-counter medications can help with symptoms like pain and fever. Do not smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke, as it can worsen inflammation. Also, avoid irritants like dust or fumes. Antibiotics are generally not necessary unless there is evidence of a bacterial infection. So, it's important not to take antibiotics unless they are prescribed, as bronchitis is often viral, and antibiotics won’t help. Lastly, if there is an underlying chronic respiratory condition, the treatment might require bronchodilators and inhaled or oral corticosteroids, so talk to your doctor.
Learn more about acute bronchitis, and how it differs from chronic bronchitis.
Blog last updated: October 29, 2024
