Key Takeaways
- Bronchitis is inflammation in your airways, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- A congested chest cough that sounds wheezy is a typical sign of bronchitis. Others include body aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, or stuffy nose.
- Getting plenty of rest and fluids, using a humidifier, taking medications to reduce fevers or body aches, and breathing in steam can help relieve symptoms.
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Having a cough with congestion can be a sign of a common cold or virus. But sometimes it can be a symptom of bronchitis, a health condition that can take several weeks to go away.
Bronchitis is not an infection, although it may be caused by one. Bronchitis is inflammation of the airway that leads to the lungs, which can lead to wheezing,
Our experts explain what symptoms to look for with bronchitis, how to treat symptoms of bronchitis, and ways to prevent spreading.
Symptoms of bronchitis
The first noticeable sign of bronchitis is a chest cough combined with feeling short of breath. Your primary care provider or other healthcare provider will likely ask about this if bronchitis is suspected.
Other symptoms of bronchitis may include:
- Body aches
- Chest congestion
- Chest soreness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Wheezing/whistling sound when breathing
If you or someone you are caring for have any of the following symptoms/situations occur, visit an urgent care as soon as possible:
- Child with a temperature over 100.4°F for at least 48 hours
- Coughing up blood
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks
Treatments for bronchitis
Rest is best when it comes to getting over bronchitis. Since bronchitis is inflammatory and not an infection, there are no antibiotics or antiviral medications that could help to resolve symptoms.
Experts also encourage patients with bronchitis to:
- Breathe in steam from a shower
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a humidifier
- Use saline spray to help with a stuffy or runny nose
- Use throat lozenges or drink tea with honey to ease a sore throat
Body aches and low-grade fevers can be treated using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough and colds medicines can be helpful, as well. Take any medications as directed and ask your primary care provider or a pharmacist if you have any questions.
According to health experts, people with bronchitis takes about 3 weeks to heal fully.
Preventing bronchitis
Since bronchitis is caused by infections or irritants to your airways, you can take the same steps to avoid bronchitis as you would to avoid infections or lung irritants.
Some of these measures include:
- Washing your hands frequently
- Staying home when you are sick
- Covering your cough
- Getting seasonal vaccines for illnesses such as flu, RSV, or COVID-19
- Wearing a mask if environmental factors are causing breathing issues
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