Bronchitis | Asthma and Respiratory

Asthma and Respiratory Care

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a respiratory infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. With the right treatment, we can have you breathing easier in no time.

Medically reviewed by Nicholas Kenyon, M.D. on April 16, 2024.

Older man sitting with his hand on his chest talking to a female health care provider in a clinic.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes (the airways in and out of your lungs). It is a sudden inflammation in the lungs, usually caused by an infection. Your airways swell and fill with mucus. This can lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Chronic bronchitis is a related condition that results in a cough that lasts for several months. It is a common symptom in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

At UC Davis Health, our asthma and respiratory experts treat all types of bronchitis. We provide care to clear a respiratory infection or long-term management of chronic bronchitis.  

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Symptoms of Bronchitis

Bronchitis causes the airways in the lungs to swell. This can lead to a variety of respiratory symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Bronchitis affects the lungs, causing symptoms including:

  • Cough (typically with mucus)
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Wheezing

Emergency Symptoms

Bronchitis rarely causes severe symptoms. But young children, older adults and those with chronic respiratory conditions are at higher risk. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:

  • High fever
  • High heart rate
  • Trouble breathing
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Causes of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is typically the result of a respiratory infection. Causes of bronchitis include:

Viral Infection

The viruses that cause the common cold, flu, RSV or COVID-19 can result in bronchitis. A viral infection is the most common cause of bronchitis.

Bacterial Infection

The bacteria that cause pneumonia and other bacterial infections can also cause bronchitis.

Environmental Pollution

Cigarette smoke, dust, pollution or other irritants in the air can cause swelling and mucus in the airways.

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Diagnosing Bronchitis

In most cases, your provider can diagnose bronchitis during a physical exam. They will listen to your lungs, check your heart rate and oxygen levels, and discuss your symptoms.

A blood test or nasal swab can determine if the bronchial swelling is related to the flu, COVID-19 or other viruses.

Rarely, your provider will suggest a chest x-ray. Typically, a chest x-ray is used to rule out pneumonia.  

Bronchitis Treatments

People who are otherwise healthy may not need any treatment for bronchitis. The viruses that cause the inflammation typically go away on their own within a week to 10 days. But the resulting cough may linger for several weeks.

Since most cases of bronchitis result from a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective treatment. Your provider may recommend:

Home Remedies

Sleeping with a humidifier, drinking plenty of liquids and getting lots of rest can help ease symptoms and speed recovery.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Cough suppressants may provide some relief from a bronchitis cough. If you have a lot of mucus buildup, medicines containing dextromethorphan or guaifenesin can help thin it out.

Prescription Medication

There are no medications that specifically treat bronchitis. If you also have the flu or COVID-19, your provider may prescribe an anti-viral medication to treat that infection. In some cases, corticosteroids or an inhaler may help reduce inflammation in your airways.

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Bronchitis Prevention

Taking steps to stay healthy during cold and flu season can help you avoid bronchitis. These steps include:

Avoid Lung Irritants

If you are at higher risk for developing bronchitis, protect your lungs from irritants — such as smoke, dust, paint fumes and pollution. When you can’t avoid them, wear a mask to help filter them out.

Get Vaccinated

Staying up to date on vaccines — including flu, RSV and COVID-19 — will also help protect you from bronchitis. 

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces. This is especially important when you’re around someone who has a contagious respiratory infection (like a cold or flu).

Who does it affect?

5%Of adults get acute bronchitis annually

Source: National Library of Medicine, Stat Pearls: Acute Bronchitis

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