


There is a variety of other remedies that a person can try to help reduce symptoms: Since viruses cause most cases of acute bronchitis, doctors will not prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Acute bronchitis does not usually require any treatment and resolves on its own. Treatment for bronchitis depends on whether the condition is chronic or acute. Over time, chronic bronchitis can lead to permanent damage to the lungs, such as decreased lung function. The increased mucus causes airflow obstructions.

Smoking damages the airways and leads to an overproduction of mucus in the lungs. The most frequent cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Doctors consider bronchitis as chronic if a person coughs and produces mucus for at least 3 months out of the year for 2 years in a row. Although the severity of symptoms does not always remain constant, the disease does not go away.Ĭhronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitisĬhronic means the condition lasts a long time. However, people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, or those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of complications. Although symptoms may last 1–2 weeks, the condition is temporary.Īcute bronchitis typically does not cause permanent breathing problems in most people.

Bacteria cause acute bronchitis in less than 10% of cases.Īn infection, such as a cold, may start in the upper airway and travel to the bronchial tubes. Typically, acute bronchitis occurs suddenly due to a viral infection. However, they also have some differences. Acute and chronic bronchitis both involve inflammation of the airways and have similar symptoms.
