
The duration of the disease usually depends on the patient’s overall health and age. In patients with acute bronchitis symptoms may last less than 10 days. In patients with severe asthmatic bronchitis, the symptoms are recurrent and usually last between 30 days to even 2 years with flares and remissions. Read more: How Long Does Asthmatic Bronchitis Last? Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
What's Bronchitis? Symptoms and Treatments
Is bronchitis contagious? Learn about bronchitis, an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. Explore bronchitis symptoms,...
-
Bronchitis Quiz
What happens within the body when a person develops bronchitis? Take this quick quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, treatments,...
-
Picture of Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis usually comes on quickly and gets better after several weeks. See a picture of Acute Bronchitis and learn more...

QUESTION
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
-
Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is short in duration (10-20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms for acute bronchitis include nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Acute bronchitis in children also my include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis are OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.
-
What Is the Best Medicine and Treatment for Bronchitis?
Learn what medical treatments can ease your bronchitis symptoms and help you manage this condition.
-
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with production of sputum that lasts for at least 3 months, 2 years in a row. Causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying disease processes (such as asthma, or congestive heart failure). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications of chronic bronchitis include COPD and emphysema.
-
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.
-
What Is the Treatment for Asthmatic Bronchitis?
Asthmatic bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes carrying air inside the lungs that occurs because of asthma. Treatment for asthmatic bronchitis involves bronchodilators, steroids, treating secretions, leukotriene inhibitors, antibiotics, oxygen administration and avoiding triggers.
-
What Are the Main Causes of Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. Learn the signs of bronchitis, what causes bronchitis, how doctors diagnose bronchitis, and what you can do to treat bronchitis.
-
Is Bronchitis Contagious Through Kissing?
Bronchitis is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of bronchitis, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
-
How Do You Get Rid of Bronchitis Naturally?
Bronchitis is swelling of airways mostly due to a virus. Rarely, bacteria or fungi can also be the reason. Swelling in bronchial tubes may restrict air to and from your lungs. It typically causes a bad cough, chest discomfort, and fatigue. You may need to consult a doctor to distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia.
-
What Is Asthma? 19 Complex Facts
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
-
How Do You Know if Your Baby has Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis, which is sometimes called a chest cold, can develop after your baby has a cold or upper respiratory infection. Bronchitis occurs when the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs, become irritated and inflamed.
-
What Is a Bronchoscopy Used To Diagnose?
A bronchoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose upper respiratory conditions. Learn how doctors look inside your respiratory system.
-
Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds
If you have a COPD such as emphysema, avoiding chronic bronchitis and colds is important to avoid a more severe respiratory infection such as pneumonia. Avoiding cigarette smoking, practice good hygeine, stay away from crowds, and alerting your healthcare provider if you have a sinus infection or cold or cough that becomes worse. Treatment options depend upon the severity of the emphysema, bronchitis, or cold combination.
-
How Do You Know If Your Child Has Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a common problem that affects many children. Learn the signs of bronchitis, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
-
What Helps When You Have Bronchitis?
Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the air-carrying tubes in the lungs (bronchioles). The condition is often associated with persistent, nagging cough with mucus. The condition often starts as an infection of the nose, throat, ears, or sinuses that later moves to the bronchi.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- cephalexin
- Bronchodilators (Drug Class)
- epinephrine racemic
- eucalyptus
- alfalfa
- quercetin
- acetylcysteine
- Side Effects of Ventolin (albuterol)
- horseradish
- Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine
- rifampin
- Spiriva
- cefpodoxime
- bearberry
- bitolterol mesylate
- Side Effects of Ephedrine (oral)
- beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray
- turmeric
- Side Effects of Xolair (omalizumab)
- tiotropium
- Rifadin (rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide)
- umeclidinium bromide
- dupilumab
From 
Asthma and Allergy Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Allergy and Asthma Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.