Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of the air ways which commonly occurs during winter or during the flu season. It more often than not, comes right after a viral infection such as a cold or flu and is often accompanied by a bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis usually clears up in approximately two weeks time although the cough may remain for some time more. There are drugs and medication available to treat this disease.

Causes of Acute Bronchitis

The individuals usually affected by this condition are the elderly and younger children. This is because they usually have weaker immune systems. People who smoke and those who are constantly exposed to allergens may also develop acute bronchitis. Exposure to a viral infection such as a cold or a bacterial infection can also trigger acute bronchitis.

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

This condition is often manifested by cold-like symptoms such as a sneezing, a runny nose and dry cough. The cough soon develops into a painful one and soon the phlegm turns greenish and sputum is present. Fever may be present in the individual and wheezing may also be present. Most of the described symptoms disappear after a few days although the cough usually stays on. A bacterial fever may also be present during this time. The usual medications for fever and pain can be used for this.

Treating Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis may be treated like the common cold especially if there are no complications. Patients are usually told to drink fluids and to take plenty of rest. Exposure to allergens is to be avoided also. Coughing is encouraged to relieve the passages of phlegm. An expectorant may also help thin the mucus and facilitate better removal through more productive coughing.

Bacterial infections that often accompany acute bronchitis can be treated with antibiotics. Medical practitioners usually prescribe a certain amount of antibiotics to be taken even if the patient is feeling much better.  This prescription must be followed and consumed to avoid the return of the infection. Sometimes, if the patient does not follow through with the prescribed antibiotics, the infection comes back and builds immunity to the previous medication or drugs.

Not smoking or stopping smoking is a big help to avoiding acute bronchitis or any other type of bronchitis. Second hand smoke can also contribute to the disease so people who wish to avoid these must do so. Other allergens and pollutants in the air must be avoided to prevent acute bronchitis.