Ten fast facts about acute bronchitis
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on October 15th 2025.
If you have been diagnosed with bronchitis, here are 10 important bronchitis facts you need to know about this airway infection.
What is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi, the large airways that carry air into your lungs. The job of the bronchi is to carry air in and out. They are lined with mucous membranes and tiny hair-like cilia that help trap and clear any potential irritants trying to enter the lungs.
In acute bronchitis, the lining becomes inflamed and irritated, which narrows the airways and increases mucus production, making it harder for air to move through. This is what triggers the cough associated with bronchitis, which can linger longer than the traditional cold.
It’s usually short-term and often triggered by viral respiratory infections such as the cold or flu. The key acute bronchitis symptom is a productive cough, which usually resolves within one to three weeks on its own.
Common causes of acute bronchitis
Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by respiratory viruses, like the flu or common cold. Less commonly, it can result from bacteria, exposure to environmental irritants or underlying health issues like acid reflux.
Several factors increase your risk of getting acute bronchitis, including tobacco use, secondhand smoke, acid reflux, a weakened immune system and occupational hazards that involve exposure to chemical fumes or dust. But these risk factors are not causes of acute bronchitis; there has to be an underlying viral infection first.
How long does acute bronchitis last?
The good news about acute bronchitis is that it often resolves on its own. Most of the time, it completely resolves within three weeks of the onset of symptoms. If a cough continues beyond four weeks, other conditions such as asthma or pneumonia may need to be considered.
Acute bronchitis is different from chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis lasts for months and is often linked to smoking; acute bronchitis typically resolves within a few weeks. While there are treatments for chronic bronchitis, there’s no known cure.
Treatment options for acute bronchitis
Most cases of acute bronchitis improve on their own without antibiotics. Treatment focuses on symptom relief: rest, fluids, humidifiers, menthol lozenges and honey to soothe your cough. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also help reduce discomfort or fever. Antibiotics are rarely needed, as it is caused by a virus and is not bacterial.
Ten fast facts about acute bronchitis
- Bronchitis affects the bronchi or the airways that carry air into the lungs, not the lungs themselves.
- Bronchitis is different from pneumonia, which infects lung tissue and tends to cause more severe illness.
- The main symptom is a persistent, productive cough that typically lasts 1-3 weeks.
- Other symptoms may include chest tightness, sore throat or fatigue.
- Antibiotics are rarely required. Up to 94% of cases are viral, and overuse of antibiotics can contribute to resistance without speeding recovery.
- Acute and chronic bronchitis are not the same. Acute bronchitis clears up in weeks, while chronic bronchitis recurs for months or years, often in smokers.
- Certain habits and exposures raise risk. Smoking, secondhand smoke, workplace chemicals and dust all increase the likelihood of acute bronchitis.
- Prevention of bronchitis overlaps with flu prevention. Getting an annual flu vaccine reduces risk, since influenza is a common trigger.
- Home remedies can help with symptoms. Honey, tea, steam, humidifiers and throat lozenges can reduce coughing.
- Most people recover fully. Symptoms usually improve within two to three weeks, leaving no long-term effects.
Key Takeaways
Acute bronchitis is one of the most common short-term respiratory infections. It is almost always caused by viruses such as influenza or the common cold. Prevention strategies focus on lowering your risk, such as staying away from cigarette smoke, using protective equipment if you work around dust or fumes, managing acid reflux and keeping vaccinations up to date.
If you believe you have bronchitis, find an urgent care center near you and walk in or save your spot online.
FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions about acute bronchitis.
Is acute bronchitis contagious?
Yes. Since viruses cause most cases, bronchitis can spread through coughing, sneezing or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Can acute bronchitis be treated with antibiotics?
Usually not. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, and acute bronchitis is most often viral.
How can I relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis at home?
Rest, fluids, humid air, honey and lozenges can help ease cough and throat irritation.
Are there any long-term effects of acute bronchitis?
Not typically. However, repeated episodes may suggest asthma, COPD or chronic bronchitis.
Who is at higher risk for developing acute bronchitis?
Smokers, people with weakened immunity and those exposed to chemical irritants are most at risk.
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