Bronchitis
Bronchitis causes cough and airway irritation. Most acute bronchitis is viral and improves without antibiotics.
Symptoms
Symptoms often include cough, mucus, chest congestion, wheezing, and fatigue.
Causes and risk
It often follows a cold or other viral infection. Smoking and asthma can make symptoms worse.
How it is evaluated
We check oxygen levels, breathing, fever pattern, and signs of pneumonia.
Treatment
Treatment includes fluids, rest, inhalers when indicated, and symptom relief. Antibiotics are not routinely needed for uncomplicated viral bronchitis.