It can cause a lingering dry cough, but it usually goes away on its own. In chronic bronchitis , a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , the inflamed bronchi produce a lot of mucus, leading to cough and difficulty getting air in and out of the lungs.
Shortness of breath. Pulmonary function tests. Chest X-ray. Pulse oximetry oxygen saturation testing. Chest CT scan. Antibiotics usually aren't helpful because acute bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus, which will not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually only needed if your doctor diagnoses you with whooping cough or pneumonia.
Medications called bronchodilators are used to open tight air passages in the lungs. Your doctor may prescribe this type of medicine if you are wheezing. Top of Page. Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children. Pain relievers: Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen. Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Cough and cold medicines: Children younger than 4 years old: do not use unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Prevention You can help prevent acute bronchitis by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Clean your hands.
Get recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. 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. Cultures of nasal discharge and sputum. Testing the sputum you cough up or swab from your nose may be done to find and identify the microorganism causing the infection.
Pulmonary function tests. These are tests that help to measure the ability of the lungs to move air in and out of the lungs. The tests are usually done with special machines that you breathe into. How is acute bronchitis treated? Treatment is aimed at treating the symptoms, and may include: Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke Cough medicine Humidifying the air Increased fluid intake Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen Tylenol Quitting smoking Avoid antihistamines because they dry up the secretions and can make the cough worse.
What are the complications of acute bronchitis? Can bronchitis be prevented? Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. However, children younger than age 2, adults ages 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, and smokers are at the highest risk. When should I call my health care provider?
0コメント