Bronchitis

About Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the large airways, typically caused by a respiratory virus following a cold or flu. The hallmark is a cough — often productive — lasting one to three weeks, sometimes with mild wheeze, chest discomfort, and low-grade fever. Antibiotics are rarely helpful because the cause is viral; treatment focuses on hydration, rest, cough suppression at night, and bronchodilators when wheezing is present. Pneumonia should be considered when fever is high or persistent, oxygen saturation drops, or breathing becomes labored.