Acute bronchitis is a lung condition that causes inflammation of the airways. Symptoms are similar to those that accompany the common cold and flu. Symptoms include coughing (with mucus), headache, sore throat, runny nose, and mild fever.
While the condition can sometimes involve more serious complications, most people only experience mild effects with acute bronchitis. In fact, the most common treatment regimen involves home remedies, bed rest, and non-prescription medications.
Acute bronchitis is frequently caused by a viral infection and often accompanies other health issues, including colds, flu, allergies, and chronic sinusitis. Less frequently, the condition may result from bacteria or inhaled chemical irritants. Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing bronchitis, including:
Older adults, infants, and young children also have a higher risk of developing this condition.
Because most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by a virus, antibiotics are not beneficial when treating the condition. However, doctors may prescribe these medications when acute bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, or if the condition advances to pneumonia.
Physicians often recommend over-the-counter medications to treat the effects of acute bronchitis until the illness subsides. These include:
Along with these medications, medical staff will also recommend home remedies, such as increasing the intake of fluids, avoiding cigarettes, and using a humidifier to introduce moisture into the air.
The health effects caused by acute bronchitis are often mild and typically resolve on their own. Additionally, acute bronchitis does not normally cause lasting damage to the lungs. Most people who experience the condition go on to make a full recovery.