|  | Conditions Treatments | Respiratory Disorders

Signs & Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchi, which are tubes that branch off from the trachea. The job of the bronchial tubes is to transport air to and from your lungs. Acute bronchitis occurs after a viral, bacterial or fungal infection or exposure to irritants like pollution or cigarette smoke. According to the Merck Manual Home Edition, bronchitis is classified as acute rather than chronic if the symptoms last less than 90 days. Symptoms of acute bronchitis typically resolve within seven to 10 days.

  1. Initial Symptoms

    • Acute bronchitis usually begins with a runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, chills, muscle aches and a fever between 100 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Call your physician for an evaluation if your fever is greater than 101 degrees, if you have a low-grade fever for more than three days or if you have shaking chills. An adult can decrease his fever by using over-the-counter acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen, but children should only take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, not aspirin. Rest as much as you can to allow your body to heal.

    Cough

    • The cough associated with acute bronchitis starts off as dry and nonproductive. Although coughing up mucus is not always a sign of bronchitis, a person with this condition can cough up clear, white, yellow or green mucus. Contact your physician for an evaluation if your cough lasts greater than three weeks or if you cough up mucus that is yellow or green, bloody or foul smelling. You can experience a nagging cough for several weeks after the bronchitis resolves. To loosen the mucus so it is easier to cough up, drink plenty of fluids each day and run a humidifier in your room. Avoid using cough suppressants, because you want to cough up the mucus in your bronchial tubes, but cough suppressants are helpful at night if your cough keeps you from sleeping.

    Breathing Problems

    • The irritation and infection causes your bronchial tubes to swell, which can cause shortness of breath. The narrowed airways can cause a high-pitched whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe. Wheezing is more common after your cough and when you exhale. These symptoms are worsened by mild activity or exposure to smoke, perfume or exhaust fumes. Contact emergency medical services if you can't catch your breath and if your skin or nail beds turn bluish.

Respiratory Disorders - Related Articles