What is acute bronchitis and what are the symptoms?
Acute bronchitis is an infection of the the bronchi – the large airways. (Chronic bronchitis is a separate illness and is not dealt with here. See separate leaflet called ‘Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD’ for information on chronic bronchitis.) Acute bronchitis is common and is usually due to a viral infection. A bacterial infection is a less common cause. The main symptom is cough. You may also develop fever, headache, cold symptoms, and aches and pains. Symptoms typically peak after 2-3 days and then gradually clear. However, it commonly takes 2-3 weeks for the cough to go completely after the other symptoms have gone. This is because inflammation in the airways caused by the infection may take some time to settle. What is the treatment for acute bronchitis? • Take paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin to reduce fever (high temperature), and to ease any aches, pains and headaches. (Children under 16 should not take aspirin.) • Have lots to drink if you have a fever to preve
