As winter draws nearer, so do all the illnesses brought on by the cold and dreary weather. This winter specifically, we are seeing surges of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, also known as the “tripledemic.” Unfortunately, the winter sicknesses don’t just stop there. Bronchitis is a cough caused by the agitation of the lungs from these ailments.
There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. If you are on the mend from a virus or infection, but find yourself still plagued by a mucus-filled cough, you may have acute bronchitis. If you are an avid smoker and experience a more consistent irritation in your lungs, you may have chronic bronchitis.
Acute (Short-Term)
Acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, is very common. It often develops from a cold or another respiratory illness.
This respiratory illness is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, according to The Mayo Clinic. When the airways are agitated, it causes them to swell and fill with mucus. This agitation is what makes you cough, which is the main symptom of bronchitis. This cough can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Chronic (Long-Term)
If you experience the respiratory illness for several weeks at a time for at least two consecutive years, you may have chronic bronchitis. Certain risk factors, such as smoking or exposure to air pollution, may put you at a higher risk of dealing with it long-term. This is because these risk factors are constant lung irritants.
This may also be referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
Bronchitis Symptoms
In the early days of the illness, the symptoms of acute bronchitis often mirror a common cold. The associated symptoms are typically:
- Cough (which may cause sore throat)
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose (mucus color can vary between clear, green, yellowish-gray, and white)
- Low-grade fever
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
The NHS also warns its patients to be aware of the symptoms of chronic bronchitis, or COPD. These may be:
- Wheezing
- Struggling to breathe during exercise or increased activity
- Persistent cough that brings up mucus
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
The respiratory illness itself is not contagious, confirms the Cleveland Clinic. However, the illnesses that cause it, like viruses such as the flu and COVID-19, can be contagious. If you contract a virus like the flu, you may also get bronchitis, depending on whether or not your lungs swell. Contracting a viral infection does not guarantee getting bronchitis, but it is very common to have both at the same time.
Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia: Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Pneumonia and bronchitis may closely resemble each other when it comes to coughing and chest discomfort. A correct diagnosis of one or the other is key in receiving the proper treatment.
Pneumonia is a far more serious illness than bronchitis. It is an infection of the air sacs in the lungs that transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. These air sacs can become inflamed, and may even fill with fluid or pus. Because the condition affects your oxygen supply, it can severely compromise the organs and tissues in your body.
Unlike bronchitis, pneumonia can be contagious, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You are considered contagious until your fever has subsided and you have taken antibiotics for at least two days.
Pneumonia Symptoms
The signs of pneumonia may vary, but generally include:
- Cough (with or without mucus production)
- Sharp chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fever, sweating, and shaking chills
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Adults over the age of 65 may also experience changes in mental awareness or lower-than-normal body temperature.
Pneumonia treatment options often include antibiotics, over-the-counter cough medicine, and fever reducers/pain relievers.
Bronchitis Treatment
Acute bronchitis will almost always go away on its own. The American Lung Association recommends the following home remedies to manage chest cold symptoms:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking lots of water to loosen any congestion
- Taking a cough suppressant and/or pain reliever
- Using a humidifier
Can I Take Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are not helpful in the case of this acute illness. Because it most often occurs as a result of a virus, antibiotics would not be helpful in preventing bronchitis, either. Acute bronchitis will almost always go away on its own with two weeks.
Antibiotics would also not be beneficial in the case of chronic bronchitis. Some people who suffer from COPD benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation with a respiratory therapist. These treatments typically involve breathing exercises. In extreme cases, a chest x-ray may be required.
Should I See My Doctor?
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggests that you seek a medical professional if your cough:
- Lasts more than three weeks
- Prevents you from sleeping
- Is accompanied by a fever of 100.4 F or higher
- Produces blood
- Causes trouble breathing
Stop by Advanced Urgent Care
Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine is here to help! There are a number of ways for our staff to test for a chest cold. We can also share home remedies and other treatment options.
We have clinics all across the Denver metro area that are all open 7 days a week. Click here for a list of locations to reserve your spot or walk-in!