Acute Bronchitis Symptoms and Risk Factors

Acute bronchitis is fundamentally an acute inflammatory response within the major air passages of the lungs. The earliest warning signs are direct results of this inflammation and the body’s attempts to clear the airways. The symptoms typically begin subtly, often evolving from a common cold or a mild viral infection.

• Persistent Cough: This is the defining symptom, usually beginning after an upper respiratory infection clears. The cough can last for three weeks or more, as the bronchial lining needs time to fully repair.
• Mucus Production: The cough often starts dry but typically becomes productive, meaning it brings up mucus (sputum). Mucus color can range from clear or white to yellow or green.
• Chest Discomfort: Patients often report a feeling of soreness, rawness, or tightness behind the breastbone (sternum). This discomfort is aggravated by deep breaths or forceful coughing.

Symptoms by Type of Conditions

The clinical presentation of acute-bronchitis provides clues regarding the underlying cause, although medical testing is often required for absolute confirmation. Distinguishing between viral and bacterial causes is critical for preventing unnecessary antibiotic use.

• Viral Bronchitis (The Dominant Cause): Responsible for over 90% of cases, symptoms are typically milder constitutional signs. The mucus is often clear or whitish, and fever, if present, is usually low-grade and resolves quickly.
• Bacterial Bronchitis (Less Common): This is rarer, sometimes occurring as a secondary infection, especially if the patient is elderly or immunocompromised. Symptoms may include a persistent high fever and mucus that is thicker, distinctly yellow or green in color, or potentially rust-colored.
• Non-Infectious Bronchitis (Irritant-Induced): Caused by exposure to external irritants like smoke or chemical fumes. The primary symptom is a dry, hacking, and persistent cough without systemic signs of infection like fever.