Published on Nov 07, 2023 | 4:12 PM
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Accounting for more than 10 million consultations each year, acute bronchitis is a well-known condition among healthcare providers that affects around 5% of healthy adults annually. (1) Common during colder months like October, November, and December, the condition is most often seasonal as it tends to be in reaction to irritant exposure or accompanies one of many seasonal viruses. Made worse by smoking, air pollution, asthma, and other respiratory-related factors, the condition arises from inflammation of the bronchi.
Defined by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, acute bronchitis causes tend to be viral infections targeting the respiratory system, more specifically, those that can affect or irritate the bronchial tubes in some way. (2) In addition to being caused by them, acute bronchitis can also be caused by:
In addition to viral infections, acute bronchitis can be the result of or cause sinus infections and upper respiratory infections. (3)(4) The cause in either regard tends to be because the upper respiratory system is either compromised from a viral infection or in response to environmental irritants. Airborne irritants can also be the source of acute bronchitis in many patients, with the most common causes including:
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, can also trigger acute bronchitis due to the postnasal drip that occurs in reaction to the pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander that floats in the air inside and outside. While in many, this will not be a direct cause, seasonal allergies often do cause the condition in many due to the conditions created inside the body, with mucus flowing in the bronchial tubes and the respiratory system generally being irritated in response.
With it developing from the bronchial tubes and, as a result, only affecting the respiratory system, acute bronchitis symptoms can be confused with conditions like the common cold, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Most often, the condition develops because of these viruses and other infections, with the most common symptoms including:
Acute bronchitis typically lasts for up to two to three weeks, with symptoms gradually improving over that time. Most people experience relief from the worst symptoms within about 7-10 days, but the cough may persist for several weeks. However, it's important to note that the duration can vary from person to person, and in some cases, it may last longer or resolve more quickly. (5)
Differentiating between acute bronchitis and pneumonia can be challenging because both conditions can share some similar symptoms like a cough and fever. However, there are key signs that can help distinguish between the two:
Acute Bronchitis:
Pneumonia:
To diagnose acute bronchitis, a doctor typically begins with a thorough medical history and examination of the present symptoms. When in person, the doctor will listen to the patient's chest with a stethoscope to assess lung sounds and check for any abnormal respiratory sounds. While there are no specific laboratory tests that definitively diagnose acute bronchitis, the doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as pneumonia. Depending on your condition, these tests can include chest X-rays, blood tests, and sputum cultures.
In most cases, the diagnosis of acute bronchitis is based on the clinical presentation of symptoms that closely align with the condition.
When it comes to differentiating between chronic and acute bronchitis, the primary factor is how long each lasts. Here's how you can differentiate between the two:
Acute Bronchitis:
Chronic Bronchitis:
Alongside treating the main cause, acute bronchitis treatment typically involves managing the symptoms and allowing the body to heal on its own. Rest and staying well-hydrated are essential, as they help the immune system fight the infection. Most often, the condition cannot necessarily be treated through medications, with prescriptions most often being prescribed to manage the symptoms and prevent a worse condition from arising. In the same way, over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants can provide relief from coughing and mucus production, while pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort and reduce fever.
Antibiotics are generally not effective against acute bronchitis, as it is usually caused by viral infections. Antibiotics are reserved for bacterial infections, which make up a small minority of cases of acute bronchitis. In the event that symptoms are severe and do not get better, antibiotics will be considered alongside further examination.
Acute bronchitis is a condition centered in the human respiratory system, which means that habits that relax or irritate parts of the upper respiratory system might also benefit or worsen your condition:
Do's:
Don’ts:
The steps for healing from acute bronchitis will be something you can repeat for other conditions that target the respiratory system and can especially be used during allergy seasons. Try:
While upper respiratory infections and conditions such as acute bronchitis are difficult to prevent during cold and flu season, there are several things you and your loved ones can do to avoid getting sick. If you or a family member do happen to feel unwell, Call-On-Doc is an easy, same-day solution to get you back on track and feeling better with prescription strength treatment.
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
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