In the initial stages of acute bronchitis, one may not be able to distinguish the symptoms of the condition from those of a common cold. Doctors use a stethoscope to determine the underlying cause. Acute bronchitis is a contagious viral infection that can cause the bronchial tubes to swell. Here, the airways that carry air into the lungs get infected, sometimes leading to the formation of thick mucus and making it difficult to breathe.

Understanding the condition
Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory disease caused by irritants, smoke, bacteria, or viruses. It can be contagious and can last for several days or weeks. The condition can be easily treated and even prevented if one takes the necessary precautions. At times, one can recover from acute bronchitis without undergoing treatment. However, if one’s symptoms last for a long time or worsen instead of improving, one could be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. Common symptoms could include thickening mucus and cough. One should get in touch with their doctor if they do not see any improvement in their symptoms. Doctors can recommend the right treatment plan and prescription options. Chronic bronchitis, a severe form of the condition, causes constant irritation.

Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms of the condition:

Shortness of breath
Chest congestion
Coughing with thick yellow mucus
Sore throat
Chills
Fever
Body pain
Wheezing

Risk factors
Anyone can get bronchitis, but one is at a higher risk if they experience the following conditions:

1. Dealing with respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma can increase the likelihood of developing acute bronchitis.
2. Autoimmune disorders and other illnesses that can cause inflammation also increase the risk of this condition.
3. Excessive exposure to air pollutants can add to the risk.
4. Being affected by chronic acid reflux is also a common risk factor.

Prevention
If one ensures that their surroundings are germ-free and maintain a healthy lifestyle, acute bronchitis can be prevented. To keep contagious bacteria and viruses at bay, one should regularly wash their hands with soap and sanitize items that are used by multiple people. Certain unhealthy lifestyle practices can make the immune system weak and more vulnerable to the condition. One can avoid acute bronchitis by adopting the following practices:

1. Wearing a mask to cover the nose and mouth and protect them from lung irritants
2. Staying away from varnish, paint remover, and paint
3. Getting a flu shot every year
4. Checking with the doctor regarding essential vaccinations
5. One should avoid chemical fumes, dust, smoke, or other substances that irritate the lungs. If it is difficult to avoid these irritants, one should wear a mask whenever they leave their home.
6. If one is prone to seasonal allergies, they should take allergy prescriptions whenever they notice the allergic reaction becoming severe.
7. Taking a hot shower can also help one recover from infections.
8. One can opt for steam inhalation using a bowl of hot water.

Management options
Acute bronchitis is usually brought on by a virus, making antibiotics ineffective in dealing with the condition and its symptoms. Here, the infection may run its course and go away on its own. One can opt for the following at-home remedies to ease the symptoms:

1. Ensure adequate fluid intake and avoid caffeine. One should have at least 10 to 12 glasses of water to encourage mucus thinning, making it easier to get rid of the mucus by coughing it up.
2. Improve the humidity level in the room using a humidifier.
3. One should get plenty of rest so that the lungs and body can heal quicker.
4. In case of fever, pain, or inflammation, one should opt for pain relievers. However, parents should consult a physician before opting for treatment options for a child affected by acute bronchitis.
5. To loosen the mucus, one can consult their doctor for prescription options to treat cough.
6. If one is wheezing, they might need to opt for inhaled treatment options to open up the bronchial tubes and clear the mucus. One can use an inhaler for these options, ensuring that the treatment reaches the bronchial tubes.
7. Consulting a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial if one is experiencing persistent symptoms that seem to be worsening instead of getting better. Further, if the symptoms have been brought on due to a bacterial infection, the doctor might recommend antibiotics and other remedies for quick relief. Take care of your diet.
8. One should add plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits to daily meals. Opting for low-fat foods and dairy products can also help when dealing with acute bronchitis.