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What Is a Chest Cold?

According to the National Institutes of Health, a chest cold is synonymous with bronchitis. The NIH found that by telling a patient she had a "chest cold," the patient was more satisfied with not receiving a prescription for antibiotics than when they called the condition bronchitis.

  1. Bronchitis

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus or, in rare cases, bacteria.

    Causes

    • Bronchitis, often called a chest cold, is caused by a virus, usually an adenovirus, a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, parainfluenza, bacteria, pollutants, or other chemical irritants. Antibiotics are usually ineffective against a virus.

    Symptoms

    • The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that symptoms of a chest cold (bronchitis) can include cough, that eventually produces mucus, soreness in the chest, fatigue, headache, body aches, low-grade fever and sore throat.

    Treatment

    • Treatment is aimed at lessening symptoms such as cough and body aches. The CDC recommends rest, increased fluids, decongestants and pain-relievers to treat a chest cold or bronchitis.

    Prevention

    • The CDC recommends frequent hand washing and the discontinuation of smoking to prevent bronchitis.

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