Acute bronchitis: symptoms, relief and when to worry

Acute bronchitis symptoms

The most common symptoms of acute bronchitis are:

• Cough with or without mucus
• Tiredness
• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Mild body aches

How long does the cough last?

With acute bronchitis, symptoms last less than three weeks, and the cough is often the last thing to go. If your cough lasts longer than three weeks, or you keep getting bronchitis, the doctor should look for another cause such as asthma, allergies or acid reflux.

Do I need antibiotics for bronchitis?

Almost never. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, and the CDC says antibiotics will not help you feel better, even when bacteria are involved. Taking them when they are not needed can cause side effects and adds to antibiotic resistance.

If the doctor suspects another condition that does need treatment, she will explain it. More in our guide to antibiotics by telehealth.

Relief at home

The CDC recommends these steps to feel better while your body fights the virus:

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a humidifier or breathe in steam, for example from a hot shower.
• Use saline nasal products.
• Throat lozenges, for adults and older children.
• Honey, only for anyone 1 year or older.
• Some over-the-counter medicines can ease symptoms for a while; ask the doctor or pharmacist which are safe for you.

Bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma: telling them apart

Bronchitis brings a cough, sometimes with mucus, and mild illness. Pneumonia is a lung infection that tends to cause higher fever, feeling much sicker and trouble breathing; if the doctor suspects it, you will need to be examined in person and may need an X-ray. Asthma causes wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing that keep coming back.

Bronchitis often starts after a cold, flu or COVID-19. For other kinds of cough, see cough.

When to get medical care

The CDC recommends getting care if you have:

• A fever that lasts more than 5 days, or a fever of 104 °F (40 °C) or higher.
• A cough with bloody mucus.
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
• Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks.
• Repeated episodes of bronchitis.

Bronchitis in children

We see children from 6 months old, with a parent or legal guardian on camera for the whole visit; the doctor is a general practice physician, not a pediatrician. Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under 4, or honey to babies under 1.

If your child is breathing fast, the skin pulls in between the ribs, the nostrils flare, they make noise when breathing or their lips look blue, call 911. See cough and cold in children.

What a video visit can do in Puerto Rico

If you are physically in Puerto Rico, including as a visitor, the doctor can assess your cough in an online doctor visit, recommend relief, give you a sick note after the visit if you need one, and tell you whether you should be examined or have an X-ray. If appropriate, the doctor can prescribe medication. We do not prescribe controlled substances.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a bronchitis cough last?

Less than three weeks with acute bronchitis. If it lasts longer, the doctor should check for another cause.

Is bronchitis contagious?

The virus that causes it can spread to other people. Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and stay up to date on vaccines.

Can I get antibiotics for bronchitis online?

Acute bronchitis almost never needs antibiotics because a virus causes it. The doctor prescribes antibiotics only when her evaluation shows an infection that needs them.

When is bronchitis an emergency?

If you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips, confusion or are coughing up a lot of blood, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Related pages

• Persistent cough
• Flu (influenza)
• COVID-19
• Asthma in adults
• Antibiotics by telehealth
• Cough and cold in children
• Online doctor visit
• Pricing