Davidson County
Health Department
HEALTH TO YOU A – Z
INFORMATION SHEET
Bronchitis, Acute
What is Acute Bronchitis?
Your bronchial tubes carry air to and from your trachea (windpipe) to your lungs. When the
lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed, that is called acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is
a common infection that is contagious to others. Some persons call acute bronchitis a chest cold.
When the bronchial tubes are inflamed they produced more mucus and swell. This causes a
person to cough. Most acute bronchitis comes after a person has had the flu or a cold or a upper
respiratory infection, parainfluenza, or RSV. Bacteria rarely causes acute bronchitis. 90% of
acute bronchitis is caused by a virus. Asthmatic Bronchitis is caused by irritants such as tobacco
smoke or pollution and is usually more of a chronic condition that goes along with asthma.
What are the symptoms of it?
 Symptoms may last 2 weeks, but cough may last up to 8 weeks in some cases
 Frequent coughing that produces mucus. Some children may cough until vomiting
 Chest pain and soreness
 Shortness of breath
 Sore throat
 Low grade fever, less than 102
When should you or your child see a health care provider?
 If your child is 3 months of age or younger and has a fever, always call your health care
provider.
 Fever of 100.4 or higher
 Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
 Symptoms lasting longer than 3 weeks
 Bloody or brown mucus when coughing should always alert you to see your doctor.
How is the bronchitis treated?
Since most acute bronchitis is not caused by a bacteria, you rarely need an antibiotic, although
some health care providers may prescribe one to relieve symptoms. If an antibiotic is prescribed,
take all the medicine even if you or your child feel well unless the doctor told you otherwise.
Over the counter cough medicine and fever or pain reducers, as directed, can be used if allowed
by your doctor. NEVER GIVE A CHILD ASPIRIN FOR A FEVER OR PAIN especially when a
viral infection is present. Drink plenty of fluids to thin out and loosen the mucus and rest as
needed.
How long should my child stay out of daycare or school or myself out of work?
Children can return to daycare or school when they are 24 hours fever-free without taking over the
counter fever-reducers. Also when the coughing has subsided so the child is able to do the school
work needed. Adults can return to work when they are fever-free and able to perform job duties.
PO Box 439, Lexington, NC 27293
(336) 242-2300
www.dchdnc.com