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Key takeaways
Acute bronchitis, or chest cold, is a common condition primarily caused by viral infections and is characterized by symptoms such as a productive cough, chest congestion, and in severe cases, respiratory distress.
Chest colds are more prevalent during flu season and can be differentiated from common colds by their focus on the lower respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing and wheezing.
Treatment options for chest colds include antitussive medications, mucolytics, antipyretics, and in some cases, prescription antibiotics or antivirals, alongside non-pharmacological remedies such as hot tea with ginger or honey.
Prevention of chest colds involves avoiding infection triggers, such as by washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, with vaccinations recommended for those at higher risk of complications.
It can feel uncomfortable dealing with a cough that produces mucus or makes it hard to breathe at times, and you might even have to miss work because of it. A cough can be a symptom of many conditions, such as an infection or lung problem. One of the main causes of a productive cough is acute bronchitis, otherwise known as a chest cold. A chest cold can sometimes be difficult to spot, especially since chest cold symptoms can overlap with symptoms of the common cold, asthma, or heart failure.
Continue reading to learn more about the stages of a chest cold, chest cold medicine options, and, ultimately, how to get rid of a chest cold.
What is a chest cold?
Acute bronchitis is a relatively common problem affecting around 5% of the general population each year and is among the top illnesses in the United States. But what exactly is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of the large airways of the lungs, specifically the bronchi. In most cases, acute bronchitis occurs due to a viral infection. However, it can also be caused by a bacterial infection or other triggers, such as environmental pollutants, allergies, and smoking.
Although it can occur at any time of the year, chest colds often occur during flu season, which happens during the fall and winter months. It can also occur after upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. Unlike the common cold, however, which can cause symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a sore throat, a chest cold is concentrated in the lower respiratory tract and is mainly characterized by chest congestion and a cough.
Different viruses can cause an infection that leads to a chest cold. These include influenza and rhinovirus, among others. Bacteria that can cause an infection that leads to acute bronchitis include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia.
Stages of a chest cold
A chest cold usually starts with an initial infection or trigger. For example, it can develop from an upper respiratory tract infection, which may lead to irritation in the lungs and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection include sore throat, runny nose, and fever.
It can take a few days after becoming infected or being exposed to a trigger before inflammation in the lungs appears. Once the inflammation develops on the lining of the bronchi, the symptoms of a chest cold start to appear.
As the immune system fights off the infection, the body can take time to recover. As the infection or irritant is neutralized by the immune system, symptoms can start to clear up within several days or weeks.
Chest cold symptoms
Most of the time, a chest cold is not serious. The symptoms are usually more bothersome than debilitating. However, in serious cases, the symptoms of a chest cold can warrant supportive medical treatment, especially if the chest cold leads to complications like respiratory distress or pneumonia. People with other lung conditions, such as COPD or asthma, may experience more severe symptoms of a chest cold.
Symptoms of a chest cold include:
- A productive cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Bronchospasm
- Low-grade fever
- Weakness
The mucus produced from a cough can appear clear, yellowish, or greenish. However, mucus with color does not mean that a bacterial infection is present.
Other symptoms, such as a fast heartbeat and dehydration, can occur as a result of an infection causing the chest cold. Serious symptoms, such as high fever, are rare and could indicate a more serious infection. A whooping sound and vomiting after coughing could mean whooping cough, a more serious illness than a chest cold. Certain sounds called rales during breathing could indicate pneumonia.
How long does a chest cold last?
A chest cold is usually self-limiting and causes a cough that lasts one to three weeks. Other symptoms of a chest cold, such as fever and weakness, may clear up sooner than the cough. In some cases, a cough can last longer than three weeks, but it is no longer considered acute. A nagging cough that lasts longer than eight weeks is considered chronic bronchitis and may require another visit with a doctor or healthcare provider and other treatments.
Risk factors of a chest cold
Some people may be at a higher risk of experiencing a chest cold or serious complications. Risk factors of a chest cold include:
- A history of lung problems, including asthma and COPD
- A weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
- A history of past chest colds
- Smoking
Certain groups of people may be at a higher risk of severe chest cold symptoms than others, including:
- older adults over 65
- Children younger than 2
- Nursing home or long-term care patients
- Pregnant women
It’s important to consult a physician or healthcare provider if you experience a chest cold and are in a high-risk group. A healthcare provider can offer medical advice and ensure you receive appropriate treatment that can help prevent complications.
How to prevent a chest cold
The best way to prevent a chest cold is to avoid the underlying causes or triggers of a chest cold. That means taking the necessary precautions to avoid getting an infection in the first place. You may be able to prevent a chest cold or serious chest cold symptoms by following some of these tips:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Avoiding close contact with people who may be infected with a cold
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand cigarette smoke
- Avoiding allergens or irritants that can trigger symptoms
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to stop a chest cold before it starts. However, there are some ways to prevent complications from a chest cold. For example, people at risk can get a pneumococcal and influenza vaccine to prevent serious problems.
Treatment of a chest cold
Different treatment options are available to treat a chest cold, depending on the cause of the chest cold and the symptoms experienced. These treatment options include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, as well as natural alternatives. In general, the treatment options for a chest cold are meant to relieve symptoms.
Medications for chest cold symptoms
Antitussive medications, such as dextromethorphan and codeine, may be recommended to reduce coughing. However, codeine is a controlled substance that can have addictive potential. Mucolytics like guaifenesin may be beneficial for a productive cough to help thin the mucus and make it easier to expel phlegm. An antipyretic OTC medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) may help reduce fever.
Prescription medications
Prescription treatment options for a chest cold include antibiotics and antiviral medications. Antibiotics should only be used if the confirmed cause of the chest cold is a bacterial infection. For people with acute bronchitis caused by the flu virus, an antiviral medication like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) may be prescribed. An inhaled beta-agonist, such as albuterol, can be useful for people who experience wheezing or shortness of breath. In severe cases of inflammation, a short-term course of a corticosteroid like prednisone can also be beneficial.
Non-medication treatment options
Non-pharmacological options can be effective for relieving symptoms of a chest cold. These options include sipping hot tea with ginger or honey, eating hot chicken soup, and using a soothing throat lozenge. These home remedies may be recommended in addition to medications.
When to see a doctor
A doctor or healthcare provider can order blood tests, chest x-rays, bacterial cultures, and other exams to determine the cause of your symptoms. Some symptoms could indicate other problems, such as asthma, COPD, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart failure, or blood clots in the lungs.
If you believe you are experiencing serious symptoms that persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider who can evaluate your overall condition and determine the best course of action. Serious symptoms include chest pain, tightness in the throat, weight loss, rash, high fever, and severe headache. If cough and other mild symptoms last longer than three to six weeks, contact a medical provider.