Definition

Air passes to the lungs through airways called bronchi. Bronchitis is the swelling of the bronchi. It can make breathing difficult.

Bronchi of Lungs

lungs and bronchioles

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There are different types of bronchitis such as:

    
  • Acute bronchitis—This is a sudden onset of symptoms. It only lasts a short time and lung function is fully recovered.
  • Chronic bronchitis—This is a serious, long-term condition. It causes blockage and damage of the lungs. It is often the result of many years of cigarette smoking.

    • This fact sheet focuses on acute bronchitis.

    Causes

    The swelling in the bronchi may be caused by:

        
  • Viral or bacterial infections
  • Irritation from smoke
  • Breathing in certain irritants (usually in a work setting) such as:     
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Minerals
  • Vegetable dusts

    • Risk Factors

    Factors that increase your risk of acute bronchitis include:

        
  • Having a cold or flu
  • Contact with a person with a respiratory viral or bacterial infection
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to second-hand smoke
  • Asthma
  • Exposures to respiratory inhalants at work
  • Poorly functioning immune system

    • Symptoms

    Symptoms of acute bronchitis may include:

        
  • Cough
  • Increased sputum production
  • Trouble breathing
  • Wheezing

    • You may also have other cold or flu symptoms such as slight fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion.

    Diagnosis

    Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

    Tests are rarely needed. The following may be recommended if the bronchitis is severe or the diagnosis is not clear:

        
  • Blood test
  • Chest x-rays—to check for other conditions such as pneumonia
  • Sputum cultures to check for the presence of unusual bacteria

    • Treatment

    Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

        
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat pain and fever     
  • Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.
  • Expectorants or cough suppressants     
  • There are some concerns about the safety of over-the-counter cough and cold products in children. The FDA recommends that these products not be used in children less than 2 years old. The FDA also supports not using them in children less than 4 years old.
  • Albuterol to help open airways if there are signs of breathing difficulty
  • Herbs and supplements—Pelargonium sidoides extract may help resolve symptoms in patients with acute bronchitis
  • Increased fluid intake
  • Cool mist humidifier—to ease breathing

    • Antibiotics will not be helpful if the infection is caused by a virus. Most of these infections are caused by viruses.

    If you are diagnosed with bronchitis, follow your doctor's instructions.

    Prevention

    To reduce your chance of getting bronchitis, follow these steps:

        
  • Avoid contact with people who have respiratory viral or bacterial infections.
  • Stop smoking or never start.
  • Avoid passive smoke.
  • Avoid exposure to irritants in the air.