You got over your cold last week. Or maybe it was the flu.
If your cough is dragging on long after the rest of your symptoms fade, you might be dealing with bronchitis — and you’re definitely not alone.
Bronchitis is incredibly common, especially during the colder months or after a respiratory infection.
For most people, it’s temporary and clears up with rest and care.
But in some cases, it can become chronic or lead to complications.
The key is knowing what you’re dealing with, when to wait it out, and when to take action.
So let’s break it down: What is bronchitis? What causes it? How do you treat it — and how do you stop it from coming back?
What Is Bronchitis, Really?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes — the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. When these tubes become irritated, swollen, or infected, they produce more mucus than usual. That extra mucus, combined with inflammation, triggers the hallmark persistent cough.
There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection (like a cold or flu). It comes on suddenly and typically lasts a few days to a few weeks.
Chronic bronchitis is more serious and long-term. It’s defined by a productive cough that lasts at least three months out of the year, for two years in a row. Chronic bronchitis is part of a group of conditions known as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and is usually linked to smoking or long-term lung damage.
How Common Is Bronchitis?
Very. Acute bronchitis is one of the top reasons people visit the doctor for a cough. It affects millions of people every year, especially during cold and flu season. Chronic bronchitis is less common, but still affects an estimated 9 million adults in the U.S., most of whom are smokers or former smokers.
Symptoms of Bronchitis You Shouldn’t Ignore
Whether it’s acute or chronic, bronchitis usually starts with a cough. But there are some telltale signs that set it apart:
– Persistent, nagging cough — often lasting for weeks
– Thick mucus (sputum), which may be clear, white, yellow, or green
– Chest discomfort or tightness
– Fatigue or feeling run down
– Mild fever and chills
– Shortness of breath or wheezing (especially with chronic bronchitis)
– Sore throat or body aches (with acute cases)
In acute bronchitis, symptoms often start after an upper respiratory infection — think cold or flu — and may linger for several weeks. With chronic bronchitis, the cough can be a year-round issue, with periods of worsening symptoms known as exacerbations.
What Causes Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses — the same ones responsible for colds and the flu. It’s not usually bacterial, which means antibiotics often don’t help. It can also be triggered by:
– Exposure to smoke or air pollution
– Inhaling dust or fumes (especially in certain jobs)
– Allergens or chemical irritants
– Secondary bacterial infections (in rare cases)
Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is mostly caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants, particularly:
– Cigarette smoke (the #1 cause)
– Air pollution
– Chemical fumes or dust
– Genetic factors or a history of lung disease
How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed?
Most of the time, bronchitis is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor might listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or rattling sounds.
In some cases — especially if you’ve had symptoms for a long time or if something doesn’t seem right — they may order tests like:
– A chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia
– Sputum tests to check for infection
– Pulmonary function tests to see how well your lungs are working (especially for chronic bronchitis or COPD)
Treatment for Acute Bronchitis
The good news is that most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own. Since it's usually viral, antibiotics won’t help unless there’s a confirmed bacterial infection — and those are rare.
In the meantime, here’s how to feel better:
– Rest up: Your body needs time to heal. Don’t push it.
– Stay hydrated: Water helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.
– Use a humidifier: Moist air can soothe irritated airways.
– Try honey: A spoonful of honey (for adults and kids over 1) can calm a cough.
– Use over-the-counter medications: Cough suppressants (like dextromethorphan) or expectorants (like guaifenesin) may help.
– Avoid smoke and strong smells: These can worsen symptoms.
If your cough lasts more than 3 weeks, gets worse, or you start having trouble breathing, see a doctor. You may need further evaluation or medication.
Treatment for Chronic Bronchitis
Managing chronic bronchitis is more involved. The focus is on controlling symptoms, preventing flare-ups, and improving lung function. Treatment may include:
– Bronchodilators (inhalers) to open the airways
– Steroids to reduce inflammation
– Oxygen therapy for those with low blood oxygen
– Pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen lung capacity
– Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising, and improving air quality at home
– Vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19)
The most important step if you have chronic bronchitis? Stop smoking. It’s the number one way to slow progression and reduce flare-ups.
When to Worry: Signs It’s More Than Bronchitis
Most coughs are harmless and just annoying. But sometimes, they signal something more serious. Seek medical help if you experience:
– Coughing up blood
– Chest pain that worsens with breathing
– High fever or chills
– Shortness of breath at rest
– Rapid breathing or heartbeat
– Confusion or drowsiness
– Cough lasting longer than 3–4 weeks
These could be signs of pneumonia, COPD, asthma, or another underlying condition.
Can You Prevent Bronchitis?
You can’t completely avoid all infections, but you can reduce your risk of bronchitis by:
– Washing your hands often
– Avoiding contact with sick people
– Wearing a mask in high-risk environments
– Getting your flu and COVID vaccines
– Not smoking (and avoiding secondhand smoke)
– Improving indoor air quality with filters and ventilation
– Using protective gear if you work around dust or fumes
If you have chronic bronchitis, your doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups during cold and flu season.
Living with Bronchitis — What to Expect
With acute bronchitis, most people recover fully within 2–3 weeks, although the cough may linger for a bit. Drinking fluids, resting, and avoiding lung irritants can speed up healing.
For those with chronic bronchitis, it’s a longer journey — but not a hopeless one. With proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ins with your doctor, you can manage symptoms and still lead a full, active life.
Final Thoughts
Bronchitis might seem like “just a cough,” but if it sticks around, interferes with your breathing, or keeps coming back — it deserves your attention. Whether it’s a passing illness or something more chronic, knowing what’s behind your symptoms is the first step to breathing easier.
So if your cough won’t quit, don’t just tough it out. Listen to your body. Take care of your lungs. And give yourself the rest, care, and support you need to truly recover.
