Bronchitis Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

For acute bronchitis, symptoms usually resolve within 7 to 10 days if you do not have an underlying lung disorder. However, a dry, hacking cough can linger for a number of months.

The chance for recovery is poor for people with advanced chronic bronchitis. Early recognition and treatment, combined with smoking cessation, significantly improve the chance of a good outcome.

Complications

Pneumonia can develop from either acute or chronic bronchitis. If you have chronic bronchitis, you are susceptible to recurrent respiratory infections. You may also develop:

• Right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary hypertension

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

• You are coughing up blood.
• You have a high fever or shaking chills.
• You have a low-grade fever for three or more days.
• You have thick, greenish mucus, especially if it has a bad smell.
• You feel short of breath or have chest pain.
• You have an underlying chronic illness, like heart or lung disease.
• You have a cough most days of the month or you have a frequently recurring cough.

Prevention

• Wash your hands (and your children's hands) frequently to avoid spreading viruses and other infections.
• DO NOT smoke.
• Get an annual flu vaccine and a pneumococcal vaccine as directed by your doctor.
• Minimize exposure to air pollutants.

References

Murray JF, Nadel JA. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2000; 1215-1216.

Macfarlane J, Holmes W, Gard P, Thornhill D, Macfarlane R, Hubbard R. Providing patient information reduces antibiotic use in acute bronchitis. Evidence-based Healthcare. 2002; 6(3): 130.

Radon K. Passive smoke exposure: a risk factor for chronic bronchitis and asthma in adults? Chest. 2002; 122(3): 1086-1090.

GOLD Scientific Committee. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: GOLD Executive Summary updated 2006.