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A condition that occurs when the inner walls that line the main air passageways
of your lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed. Bronchitis often follows
a respiratory infection such as a cold. And just as most people get occasional
colds, virtually everyone has bronchitis at least once.

Most cases of acute bronchitis disappear within a few days without lasting
effects, although coughs may linger three weeks or more. But if you have
repeated bouts of bronchitis, see your doctor. You may have a more serious
health problem, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema — a
disease that causes progressive lung damage. You’re much more likely to
develop these conditions if you smoke.

Signs and Symptoms

• Soreness and a feeling of constriction or burning in your chest
• Cough that brings up yellowish-gray or green mucus
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Chills
• Overall malaise and slight fever

Causes

The same viruses that cause colds often cause acute bronchitis. But you
can also develop noninfectious bronchitis from exposure to your own or
someone else’s cigarette smoke and even from pollutants such as household
cleaners and smog.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most cases of bronchitis clear on their own in a few days, especially
if you rest, drink plenty of fluids, and keep the air in your home warm
and moist. But if you have a fever higher than 101 F, you’re breathless,
or you cough up bloody or yellow or green mucus, see your doctor. You may
have pneumonia. And if you have a cough that lasts six weeks or more, be
sure to seek medical care. The inflammation from a chronic infection can
lead to asthma in some people.

Also see your doctor if you have chronic lung or heart problems, including
asthma, emphysema or congestive heart failure, and think you may have developed
a case of bronchitis. These conditions put you at greater risk of developing
complications from bronchial infections.

If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, tell your doctor. You may have
chronic bronchitis, or you may live or work in an environment that continually
irritates your airways. In some cases, you may have GERD or chronic sinusitis.
If so, your doctor may be able to pinpoint the cause of your problem and
suggest further testing and lifestyle changes that can help.

Prevention

• Avoid tobacco smoke. This includes your own smoke and
  secondhand smoke from others.
• Get an annual flu shot. Many cases of acute bronchitis
  result from influenza. Getting a yearly flu shot can
  help protect you from both bronchitis and the flu.
• Ask your doctor about a pneumonia shot.