The virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets typically spread about 1m 3ft. They hang suspended in the air for a while, then land on surfaces where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours.
Anyone who touches these surfaces can spread the virus further by touching something else. Everyday items at home and in public places, such as door handles and keyboards, may have traces of the virus on them. People usually become infected by picking up the virus on their hands from contaminated objects, and then placing their hands near their nose or mouth. It is also possible to breathe in the virus if it is suspended in airborne droplets. Bronchitis can also be triggered by breathing in irritant substances, such as smog, chemicals in household products or tobacco smoke.
Smoking is the main cause of long-term chronic bronchitis, and it can affect people who inhale second-hand smoke, as well as smokers themselves. Read information about treatments to quit smoking. You may also be at risk of bronchitis and other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD if you are often exposed to materials that can damage your lungs, such as:.
This is sometimes referred to as 'occupational bronchitis', and usually eases once you are no longer exposed to the irritant substance. Read more information about the causes of COPD. Most cases of bronchitis do not require treatment from a GP, and the symptoms can be easily managed at home. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but healthy living will help.
In particular, you should stop smoking , if you smoke. There is little evidence that cough medicines work — read more about treating coughs. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency MHRA has recommended that over-the-counter cough medicines should not be given to children under the age of six. As an alternative to an over-the-counter cough medicine, try making your own mixture of honey and lemon, which can help soothe a sore throat and ease your cough.
If you smoke, you should stop immediately. Smoking aggravates bronchitis and increases your risk of developing a long-term chronic condition. Stopping smoking while you have bronchitis can also be the perfect opportunity to quit altogether. Although treatment from a GP is rarely necessary, there may be times when you should see one — read more about when to see your GP. Your GP will not routinely prescribe antibiotics , as bronchitis is nearly always caused by a virus. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, and prescribing them when they are unnecessary can, over time, make bacteria more resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Your GP will only prescribe antibiotics if you have an increased risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia. Antibiotics may be recommended for:. If you are prescribed antibiotics for bronchitis, it is likely to be a five-day course of amoxicillin, oxytetracycline or doxycycline. Possible side effects of these medicines include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but they are uncommon. Stopping smoking is also very important if you have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or COPD.
Read more about the treatment of COPD. Home Illnesses and conditions Lungs and airways Bronchitis. Bronchitis See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About bronchitis 2. Symptoms of bronchitis 3. Causes of bronchitis 4. Treating bronchitis.
About bronchitis Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs bronchi , causing them to become irritated and inflamed. Sometimes, a cough might last for longer than 8 weeks. This is known as a chronic cough.
It can be a sign of an underlying illness such as asthma or GERD. Anyone who has an unexplained cough, has a cough that does not go away, or who coughs up blood or red phlegm should speak to a health care provider. Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that kills nearly , people every year, mostly young babies. Here we explain the…. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes the body to produce thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas.
Bronchitis is an infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs. It can be acute or chronic. Symptoms include a cough and wheezing. Smoking is a major….
COVID is a highly contagious infectious disease resulting from a recently identified coronavirus. Learn to curb its spread and more here. How long coughs last Persistent cough causes Complications Treatment Contacting a doctor Summary Coughs can be a symptom of many different health conditions. How long does a cough usually last? Causes of a persistent cough. Potential complications of a persistent cough. How to treat a lingering cough. When to contact a doctor. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery?
Tests may be done to rule out other diseases, such as pneumonia or asthma. Any of these tests may be used to help confirm a diagnosis:. Acute bronchitis is usually mild and does not cause complications. The symptoms often resolve on their own and lung function goes back to normal. In most cases, antibiotics are not needed to treat acute bronchitis. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
If it has progressed to pneumonia, then antibiotics may be necessary. Acute bronchitis can worsen and progress to chronic bronchitis or pneumonia.
If this happens, a different treatment may be necessary. However, there are shots you can get to prevent its complications, such as pneumonia. Check with your healthcare provider about getting the flu and pneumococcal shots. Getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia. The pneumococcal shot can protect you from a common form of bacterial pneumonia. Most often, bronchitis resolves on its own. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes acute bronchitis?
What are the symptoms acute bronchitis? Symptoms may include: Back and muscle pain Cough, first dry non-productive , later, a lot of mucus is produced Chest soreness Chills Feeling tired and achy Headache Runny nose Slight fever Shortness of breath Sore throat Watery eyes Wheezing The symptoms of acute bronchitis may look like other conditions or medical problems. How is acute bronchitis diagnosed? Any of these tests may be used to help confirm a diagnosis: Chest X-rays.
A test that uses invisible radiation beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs. Arterial blood gas.
This blood test is used to analyze the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.
To get this measurement, a small sensor is taped or clipped on a finger or toe. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot.
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