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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Illustration
Acute Bronchitis: Brief Version
What is acute bronchitis?
When you have acute bronchitis, the air passages between
your windpipe and your lungs are swollen and irritated. You
have a bad cough and pain in your chest when you breathe
deeply or cough.
How does it happen?
Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, like the
cold or flu. It can also be caused by bacteria.
Most of the time, it clears up in a few days. It may take
you longer to get better if:
- You smoke cigarettes.
- You have a heart or lung disease.
- You live in an area where air pollution is a problem.
- You have any other health problems.
What are the symptoms?
You may:
- Have a deep cough with yellowish or greenish phlegm.
- Feel pain behind your breastbone when you breathe deeply
or cough.
- Wheeze or feel short of breath.
- Have a fever or chills.
How do I know if I have it?
Your health care provider will:
- Ask how you have been feeling.
- Give you an exam.
You may have a chest x-ray or other tests.
How can I take care of myself?
Resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids to keep the
mucus loose may be all you need to do to get better in a few
days. If your symptoms are severe or you have other health
problems (such as heart or lung disease or diabetes), you
may need to take antibiotics.
You should also:
- Stop smoking if you smoke.
- Avoid smoky places.
You may want to ask your health care provider about taking
medicine for cough or fever.
Call your health care provider if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have a fever over 101°F (38.3°C).
- You cough up blood.
- You don't feel better in 3 days or you are feeling worse.
How can I help prevent acute bronchitis?
You can lower your chances of getting bronchitis if you
don't smoke.
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