A condition when the lining of the bronchial tube (the tube that carries air to and from the lungs) is inflamed. This causes cough with mucus, shortness of breath, and mild fever.

Symptoms include mucus-filled cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, mild fever, and chest discomfort.

Usually caused by viral infections, the same viruses cause common cold or flu. Environmental factors such as pollution can also be a cause.

In the early stage, it is difficult to distinguish between the common cold and acute or chronic bronchitis based on the symptoms. The diagnosis begins with a physical examination and is followed by tests to rule out any other infection.

→ Common treatment options

→ How is this diagnosed?

• Treatable by a medical professional
• Diagnosed by medical professional
• Rarely requires lab test or imaging
• Can last several days or weeks
• May be preventable by vaccine
• Transmitted easily if infectious
• Family history may increase likelihood
• Urgent medical attention recommended in severe cases

Cough suppressants: This will help suppress the cough and get proper sleep at night. Usually recommended for a severe cough.

Dextromethorphan . Levodropropizine

Bronchodilators: Helps to clear out sputum by opening up the narrowed bronchial tubes. Usually recommended for severe cough and limited use in patients with wheezing and underlying pulmonary disease.

Albuterol . Levalbuterol . Pirbuterol

Mucolytics: Helps to thin out sputum, that makes it easier to cough up sputum.

N-acetylcysteine . Guaifenesin . Ambroxol . Bromhexine . Carbocisteine . Domiodol . Dornase alfa . Eprazinone . Erdosteine

Antihistamines: Helps by the decongesting upper respiratory tract. Usually recommended for concurrent cold symptoms.

Levocetirizine . Bilastine . Fexofenadine

Antivirals: To inhibit the growth of organisms. Usually recommended for influenza causing acute bronchitis.

Oseltamivir . Zanamivir

Antibiotics: To inhibit the growth of organisms. Usually recommended for pertusis causing acute bronchitis.

Azithromycin

→ Questions to ask your doctor

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