Bronchitis Treatment

Bronchitis occurs when the airways leading to the lungs become inflamed, often after a cold or respiratory infection. Family Medicine Associates evaluates and treats acute bronchitis in adults, helping distinguish it from other respiratory conditions and providing guidance for a full recovery. 

Common Symptoms

  • Persistent cough, with or without mucus 
  • Chest discomfort or soreness from coughing 
  • Mild shortness of breath 
  • Fatigue 
  • Low-grade fever, in some cases 

Acute vs. Recurring Sinus Infections

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and typically resolves within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough lasting months and recurring over years, is a different condition often related to smoking or long-term lung irritation and is managed differently. 

Treatment Options

  • Evaluation to rule out pneumonia or other conditions with overlapping symptoms 
  • Supportive care, including rest, fluids, and cough relief, for most viral cases 
  • Antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is suspected, since most acute bronchitis is viral 
  • Guidance for patients whose cough persists beyond the typical recovery window 

When to See a Doctor

  • A cough lasting longer than 3 weeks 
  • Fever above 100.4 degrees F 
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing 
  • Coughing up blood or thick discolored mucus 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bronchitis contagious? 

Acute bronchitis caused by a viral infection can be contagious, particularly in the first few days of symptoms, similar to a cold or flu. 

Do I need antibiotics for bronchitis? 

Most cases of acute bronchitis are viral and don’t respond to antibiotics. Our providers evaluate your symptoms to determine whether a bacterial cause is likely. 

How long does a cough from bronchitis usually last? 

A cough from acute bronchitis can linger for 2 to 3 weeks even after other symptoms improve. A cough lasting longer than that should be evaluated. 

Related Conditions

This page is part of the Infectious Disease Management content cluster. Link back to the hub and cross-link to sibling pages once each is published: 

  • Infectious Disease Management (hub) — /services/infectious-disease-management/ 
  • Respiratory Infection Treatment — /services/respiratory-infection-treatment/ 
  • Sinus Infection Treatment — /services/sinus-infection-treatment/ 
  • Flu Treatment — /services/flu-treatment/