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Family and Wellness Medicine

 

 

 

Acute Bronchitis

 

What is acute bronchitis?

 

When you have acute bronchitis, the air passages between your windpipe and your lungs are swollen and irritated. You have a bad cough and pain in your chest when you breathe deeply or cough.

 

How does it happen?

 

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, like the cold or flu. It can also be caused by bacteria.

 

Most of the time, it clears up in a few days. It may take you longer to get better if:

 

•  You smoke cigarettes.

•  You have a heart or lung disease.

•  You live in an area where air pollution is a problem.

•  You have any other health problems.

 

What are the symptoms?

 

You may:

 

•  Have a deep cough with yellowish or greenish phlegm.

•  Feel pain behind your breastbone when you breathe deeply or cough.

•  Wheeze or feel short of breath.

•  Have a fever or chills.

 

How do I know if I have it?

 

Your health care provider will:

 

•  Ask how you have been feeling.

•  Give you an exam.

 

You may have a chest x-ray or other tests.

 

How can I take care of myself?

 

Resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids to keep the mucus loose may be all you need to do to get better in a few days. If your symptoms are severe or you have other health problems (such as heart or lung disease or diabetes), you may need to take antibiotics.

 

 

 

You should also:

 

•   Stop smoking if you smoke.

•   Avoid smoky places.

 

You may want to ask your health care provider about taking medicine for cough or fever. Call your health care provider if:

 

•   You have trouble breathing.

•   You have a fever over 1010F (38.30C).

•   You cough up blood.

•   You don’t feel better in 3 days or you are feeling worse.

 

How can I help prevent acute bronchitis?

 

You can lower your chances of getting bronchitis if you don’t smoke.

 

Developed by McKesson Clinical Reference Systems.

 

Published by McKesson Clinical Reference Systems.

 

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice. diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

 

Adult Health Advisor 2002.2 Index

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Last modified: September 19, 2005

Copyright 2005 Canyons Medical Center. All rights reserved. We are not responsible for content on this website or accuracy of information. The information contained should not substitute a professional medical evaluation.