Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

Medically reviewed by Josephine Hessert, DO

Bronchitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of your large airways, called bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. Irritated and inflamed airways become swollen and narrow, making it harder for air to pass through and causing shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a cough that produces mucus.

There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis develops suddenly, usually due to a viral or bacterial respiratory infection, and lasts for a few days or weeks. Chronic bronchitis is long-lasting and develops gradually after long-term exposure to lung irritants such as cigarette smoke or chemical fumes. People with chronic bronchitis often have periods when their symptoms worsen, called flare-ups.

Common Symptoms

Acute and chronic bronchitis share many symptoms because they are both associated with inflamed, narrowed airways and increased mucus production, making it harder for air to reach your lungs. Common symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Cough with mucus: A mucus may be clear, yellow, or green

• Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling or hissing sound when breathing, which is caused by narrowed airways

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity

• Chest discomfort: A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest

• Fatigue: Tiredness and a lack of energy

Acute Bronchitis Symptoms

Acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually caused by viral infections such as the common cold or influenza (the flu). More rarely, bacterial infections or exposure to irritants, such as smoke or dust, can lead to acute bronchitis.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis develop suddenly, often alongside or shortly after a respiratory infection (e.g., common cold), and improve within a week or two. Some people may have a lingering cough for up to four weeks.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis include:

• Cough, which is initially productive (producing mucus) and may become dry over time

• Runny or stuffy nose, which develops before chest congestion

• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing

• Shortness of breath, which worsens with physical activity

• Chest tightness

• Low-grade fever

• Fatigue

• Chest pain or sore ribs from coughing 
  

Rarely, acute bronchitis may cause symptoms such as a cough with bloody mucus or a high fever (more than 100.4 °F). These symptoms warrant a visit to your healthcare provider for treatment.

Chronic Bronchitis Symptoms

Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, lasting at least three months. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—a group of progressive lung diseases that cause breathing problems. Chronic bronchitis develops due to long-term exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke, chemical dust and fumes, and air pollution.

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis develop gradually over time. Long-term airway inflammation causes mucus to build in the airways, causing a chronic cough and breathing difficulties. People with chronic bronchitis often have flare-ups, which are periods when symptoms worsen. As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe and frequent.

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:

• Chronic cough that produces mucus

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or daily activities

• Chest tightness

• Fatigue

• Difficulty breathing

• Feeling like you can't take a deep breath

• Frequent respiratory infections

People with chronic bronchitis often experience frequent respiratory infections, which can worsen symptoms. Severe chronic bronchitis can cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Weight loss

• Muscle weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet

Symptoms in Children

Children with viral or bacterial upper respiratory infections can develop acute bronchitis. For most children with bronchitis, the condition is acute (temporary). Children rarely develop chronic bronchitis, though there is an increased risk for children with asthma, allergies, or regular exposure to secondhand smoke.

Symptoms of bronchitis in children are similar to symptoms in adults, though there are a few differences. Common bronchitis symptoms in children include:

• Persistent cough, which may start dry and progress to a productive cough with mucus

• Low-grade fever

• Headache

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Chest congestion

• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing

• Irritability or fussiness

• Difficulty sleeping

• Lack of energy (fatigue)

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if your cough does not go away within 2 to 3 weeks or you experience worsening symptoms, such as significant shortness of breath or chest pain.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Coughing up blood or bloody mucus

• Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles

• Rapid breathing (in infants and young children)

• Bluish lips or skin

• Severe chest pain

A Quick Review

Bronchitis is when the bronchial tubes—the main airways of the lungs—become inflamed, irritated, and narrowed, leading to symptoms such as coughing with mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort, and fatigue. Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Symptoms of acute bronchitis develop quickly alongside or shortly after a viral or bacterial respiratory infection, and most people improve within a week or two. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis last three months or longer and occasionally worsen (called a flare-up). 

If you have ongoing or worsening symptoms of bronchitis, see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will bronchitis symptoms go away on their own?

Viral infections cause most cases of acute bronchitis, which usually resolve without needing specific treatment. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help promote healing. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition associated with periods when symptoms improve and flare-ups when symptoms worsen. Chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management and treatment.

Do you need antibiotics to treat symptoms of bronchitis?

Viruses cause most cases of acute bronchitis, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. You may need antibiotics if you have acute bronchitis caused by a bacterial infection, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend antibiotics for acute bronchitis caused by bacteria.

What food should you avoid if you're recovering from bronchitis?

When recovering from bronchitis, you may want to avoid foods that can thicken mucus or worsen inflammation, such as dairy products, fried and spicy foods, and excessive sugar. Foods that cause gas or bloating, such as cruciferous vegetables and beans, can make breathing more difficult.

Opt for a balanced diet with plenty of fluids, fruits, vegetables, and warm, soothing liquids like herbal teas or broths to ease throat and chest discomfort and support your recovery.

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