Bronchitis how long will it last

Chronic bronchitis typically affects smokers, although exposure to toxic chemicals may also contribute to this condition. The good news is that acute bronchitis usually resolves its own. Some people with bronchitis may require medical care. Promptly consult with a medical professional if your symptoms:.

It is particularly important to seek professional medical care if you are an older adult or have a medical condition that weakens your immune system. Individuals with chronic bronchitis should stay on top of their symptoms and report any changes to their medical provider.

In the event that you or someone around you is experiencing trouble breathing or severe chest pain, call immediately. If you need timely treatment for bronchitis, DispatchHealth is here to make your life easier. This is true for both children and adults. Older adults may experience more severe symptoms over a longer duration of time. These symptoms can include rapid breathing and confused thinking. Elderly individuals may also be at a higher risk for complications, such as pneumonia.

Chronic bronchitis is more common in adults than in children. People with chronic bronchitis can also experience bouts of acute bronchitis. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include long-term irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and a chronic, phlegmy cough that lasts for at least three months. This is followed by episodic bouts of bronchitis, which can come and go for two years or longer.

Acute bronchitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect you have bacterial bronchitis. Antibiotics are not helpful for bronchitis caused by viruses. Chronic bronchitis is often caused by cigarette smoking. It can also be caused by exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution or secondhand smoke. Around 90 percent of all cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu, which are contagious.

These illnesses have an incubation period of between two to six days. Improving lung functioning is essential for the overall operation of the body.

If you are a smoker, seeking therapy will be of help in quitting smoking. Smoking not only causes cancer but also elevates bronchitis to its peak stage. Another factor to consider is avoiding things that can cause irritation to the lungs such as dust, air pollution, and secondhand smoke. Washing hands every time before you eat is also a significant impact on lowering the infections that increase irritation to the lungs.

The above steps are helpful if you think you have acute bronchitis. If you still feel that the symptoms you experience are continuing, then it is time to look for a doctor. When you visit the doctor, you will have to talk openly about the bronchitis symptoms that you are experiencing. You will have to answer questions to such as:. Based on the answers, the doctor will carry out a physical examination to pinpoint the reason behind the occurrence of Bronchitis.

In most of the cases, the doctor will listen to your chest while you are coughing. It will provide him with a clear picture of the underlying reason. However, in rare cases, the doctor will prescribe you to undergo a chest x-ray, sputum culture, and spirometry. Chronic bronchitis is caused by environmental irritants. It lasts for at least three months and recurs yearly. It is a long-term condition that needs ongoing treatment. Chronic bronchitis is a life-long condition, but you can manage it with the help of a health professional.

Lifestyle changes can reduce the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and prevent it from getting worse. Ask a medical professional for help quitting smoking and work on reducing your exposure to other irritants.

Physical activity can help strengthen your lungs, so ask about your options. You can prevent future infections by getting vaccines for the flu and pneumonia. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Acute bronchitis. Updated December 10, Chronic bronchitis. Updated January 3, Medline Plus. Common cold. Updated February 7, Allan GM, Arroll B.

Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. Cleveland Clinic. Updated August 12, Antibiotics for acute bronchitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

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