What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a respiratory disease in which the mucus membrane in the bronchial passages of the lung becomes inflamed. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Viruses can be spread from person to person by coughing. They can also be spread if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with respiratory fluids from an infected person. Symptoms include coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, runny nose, nasal congestion and or a low-grade fever.
Most people DO NOT need antibiotics for acute bronchitis. Treatment for this viral infection will usually resolve on its own within 1-2 weeks. Take the following steps to get relief.
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get lots of rest
- Take Motrin or Tylenol as needed for fever or body aches