What actually clears bronchitis

Bronchitis almost always goes away on its own within a few weeks, even without treatment. Your body clears the infection by coughing up mucus, and time is the main thing that makes this happen. Most people recover in 2 to 3 weeks, though a lingering cough can last 6 to 8 weeks after the worst is over.

The goal of treatment is not to cure bronchitis — your immune system does that — but to make yourself more comfortable while you recover and to prevent complications. This means managing your cough, keeping your airways open, and staying hydrated so your body can do its job.

Key Takeaways

  • Bronchitis clears on its own in most cases; antibiotics do not speed recovery unless you have a bacterial infection, which is rare.
  • Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and resting help your body clear mucus and reduce coughing.
  • Over-the-counter cough medicines and pain relievers can ease symptoms while you recover.
  • See a doctor if you cough up blood, have trouble breathing, or your symptoms worsen after a week.
  • Smoking or secondhand smoke slows recovery and makes bronchitis worse.

Rest and fluids: the foundation of recovery

The single most important thing you can do is rest. When you rest, your body directs energy toward fighting the infection instead of other tasks. This means taking time off work if you can, sleeping more than usual, and avoiding strenuous activity until your cough improves.

Drink more water, warm tea, soup, and other fluids than you normally would. Fluids thin the mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up. Warm liquids are especially helpful because the warmth can soothe your throat and airways. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

Using humidity and steam to ease your cough

Dry air irritates your airways and makes coughing worse. A humidifier — a machine that adds moisture to the air in your room — can reduce irritation and help you cough more productively. Run it while you sleep and during the day when you are resting. Cool-mist humidifiers work as well as warm-mist ones and are safer if you have children or pets.

If you do not have a humidifier, you can create steam by running a hot shower and breathing in the steam for 10 to 15 minutes. Some people find it helpful to breathe steam from a bowl of hot water, though be careful not to burn yourself. Do this several times a day if your cough is severe.

Over-the-counter medicines that may help

Cough medicines come in two types: expectorants and suppressants. An expectorant like guaifenesin (found in Mucinex) thins mucus so you cough it up more easily. A suppressant like dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin) reduces the urge to cough. For bronchitis, an expectorant is usually more useful because coughing is how your body clears the infection. However, if your cough is keeping you awake at night, a suppressant can help you rest.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can reduce fever, body aches, and throat pain. Follow the dosing instructions on the package. Do not use cough medicines or pain relievers for longer than a week without talking to a doctor.

Cough drops and lozenges can soothe your throat temporarily. Honey can also help — a spoonful of honey or honey mixed into warm tea may ease throat irritation and reduce coughing, though it should not be given to children under 1 year old.

When antibiotics are and are not needed

Antibiotics do not treat viral bronchitis, which is what most people have. Viruses cause about 90 percent of bronchitis cases, and antibiotics only work against bacteria. Taking antibiotics when you do not need them can lead to antibiotic resistance, making these medicines less effective for everyone.

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics only if they believe you have bacterial bronchitis, which is uncommon. Signs that might suggest a bacterial infection include coughing up green or yellow mucus for more than a week, a high fever that lasts longer than 3 days, or other signs that your doctor observes during an exam. Even then, many doctors wait to see if you improve on your own before prescribing antibiotics.

Avoiding things that slow your recovery

Smoking and secondhand smoke directly irritate your airways and make bronchitis worse and longer-lasting. If you smoke, this is the time to stop, even temporarily. If you live with someone who smokes, ask them to smoke outside while you recover.

Avoid air pollution, strong chemical smells, and other irritants. If you have asthma or another lung condition, use your rescue inhaler as directed by your doctor. Dry, cold air can also trigger coughing, so stay in a warm, humid environment when possible.

When to see a doctor about your bronchitis

Most people recover from bronchitis without seeing a doctor. However, contact a doctor if you cough up blood, have severe shortness of breath, develop a high fever that lasts more than 3 days, or your symptoms worsen after a week of rest and home care. You should also see a doctor if you are over 65, have a weakened immune system, or have a chronic lung or heart condition, because bronchitis can lead to pneumonia in these groups.

If you have severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room. These can be signs of a complication like pneumonia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does bronchitis usually last?

Most people feel better within 2 to 3 weeks, though a dry cough can linger for 6 to 8 weeks. The length varies depending on whether you had a cold or flu first, your age, and whether you smoke. If your cough lasts longer than 8 weeks, see a doctor to rule out other conditions.

Is it normal to cough up mucus that is yellow or green?

Yes, this is common and usually does not mean you need antibiotics. Colored mucus can come from a viral infection. However, if you cough up colored mucus for more than a week, have a high fever, or feel increasingly ill, contact a doctor to rule out pneumonia or a bacterial infection.

Can I exercise while I have bronchitis?

Rest is more important than exercise while you recover. Strenuous activity can make your cough worse and delay healing. Light activity like a short walk is fine if you feel up to it, but avoid anything that makes you short of breath or increases your cough.

Will a chest X-ray show if I have bronchitis?

A chest X-ray is usually not needed to diagnose bronchitis. Doctors diagnose it based on your symptoms and a physical exam. A chest X-ray may be done if a doctor suspects pneumonia or another complication, but it is not routine for simple bronchitis.

Can I catch bronchitis from someone else?

The virus that causes bronchitis spreads from person to person through coughs and sneezes, so yes, you can catch it. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and keep your distance from others while you are sick. If you have bronchitis, cover your cough and stay home when possible to avoid spreading it.