Acute Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

When dealing with acute bronchitis, a short‑term inflammation of the bronchi often triggered by infection. Also known as short‑term bronchitis, it typically shows up with a persistent cough, chest tightness, and fatigue.

Most cases start after a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. The virus irritates the airway lining, leading to swelling and excess mucus – a classic acute bronchitis scenario. Occasionally, a bacterial culprit shows up, and that’s when doctors consider prescribing antibiotics, because antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses.

How Doctors Pinpoint the Problem

To tell acute bronchitis apart from pneumonia or chronic lung disease, clinicians often order a chest X‑ray, which visualizes lung tissue and helps rule out more serious infections. A clear X‑ray, combined with a recent viral illness, usually confirms the diagnosis. Blood tests might also reveal whether a bacterial infection is present, guiding the decision to use antibiotics.

Beyond imaging, doctors listen for wheezing and assess sputum color. Yellow or green sputum can hint at bacterial involvement, while clear or white sputum often points to a viral cause. This diagnostic triad – recent viral infection, X‑ray findings, and sputum analysis – creates a reliable picture of acute bronchitis.

When bacterial infection is ruled out, symptom relief becomes the main goal. Cough suppressants can calm the urge to cough, especially at night, helping patients rest. Meanwhile, expectorants thin the mucus, making it easier to clear the airways. Both types are over‑the‑counter options that many people find useful.

Supportive measures also play a big role. Staying hydrated thins secretions, and rest lets the immune system do its job. Some doctors recommend humidifiers to soothe irritated bronchi, while others suggest gentle chest physiotherapy to move mucus outward.

Because acute bronchitis usually resolves in 2–3 weeks, most patients recover without complications. However, certain groups – smokers, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD – may experience a longer or more severe course. For them, close monitoring and possibly a short course of antibiotics become more important.

When antibiotics are prescribed, the choice often falls on amoxicillin or a macrolide, depending on local resistance patterns. The key is to use the drug only when a bacterial infection is likely, to avoid unnecessary side effects and resistance buildup.

In summary, acute bronchitis is a short‑lived airway inflammation that usually follows a viral infection. Diagnosis relies on recent illness history, chest X‑ray imaging, and sputum assessment. Treatment ranges from supportive care – hydration, rest, cough suppressants – to targeted antibiotics when a bacterial element is identified. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dig deeper into each of these areas, from safe online purchase guides for antibiotics to lifestyle tips for managing cough symptoms.