Bronchitis: Causes, symptoms, duration and treatment

Bronchitis can have various triggers, such as viruses, bacteria and smoking. In most cases, acute bronchitis is caused by a viral respiratory infection. Bacteria, fungal spores and chemicals tend to be rare causes. It is important to know what has caused the bronchitis as this can impact the treatment method.

Nine out of ten cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses¹. It tends to be difficult to treat the virus itself. Fortunately, acute, viral bronchitis usually resolves within two weeks. However, there are tried-and-tested treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms – such as inhaling saline solutions with a suitable inhalation device. You should also drink plenty (water or unsweetened tea) and get plenty of rest.

Bacterial bronchitis

Bronchitis is only rarely caused by bacteria and so treatment with antibiotics is only very rarely indicated². Pulmonary specialists in the group “Lung specialists online” (Lungenärzte im Netz) also point out that giving antibiotics when they are not indicated can actually make the bacteria resistant³.

Smoking is one of the main causes of chronic bronchitis, affecting about a third of all smokers⁴. If the bronchi are also obstructed, the patient also often has the next stage: COPD. If you are a smoker, the most important step in treating your chronic bronchitis and to prevent COPD is to give up smoking. Many health insurance companies offer programmes to help you quit smoking. 

Bronchitis has a host of symptoms, including:

• Cough with phlegm which may be tinged yellow or green
• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pain
• Fatigue and weakness

The symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease. If you have severe or persistent symptoms, it is essential that you seek medical advice.

In nine out of ten cases, acute bronchitis follows an infection in the upper airways. If you rest and drink plenty (water or unsweetened tea), it usually resolves within two weeks.

Chronic bronchitis is commonly defined as the disease persisting for more than three months in two consecutive years. If it is diagnosed at an early stage, it may heal completely⁵. If you are worried you have chronic bronchitis, it is essential that you talk to your doctor, who will be able to work with you to find out the causes and develop strategies to prevent the disease from progressing.

The right treatment for bronchitis depends on whether it is acute or chronic. If it is chronic, it is essential to talk to your doctor, as the disease can only be stopped from progressing if you avoid the triggers and strictly follow the treatment plan.

What you can do to fight off acute bronchitis

Drink plenty and rest

It is important to allow yourself to rest because your immune system needs energy to make you healthy again. Also make sure you drink plenty (water or unsweetened tea).

Nebuliser therapy for bronchitis: locally acting

Inhaling saline solution with a nebuliser is a tried-and-tested treatment for bronchitis. Hypertonic saline solution (> 0.9% NaCl) can help release the mucus so it can be coughed up. Isotonic saline solution (= 0.9% NaCl) moistens the airways and can help soothe the damaged airways. What you need for inhalation therapy for bronchitis:

• A suitable nebuliser device
• Inhalation solution

Read more about nebuliser therapy for bronchitis here.

Drug treatment of bronchitis

Your doctor can prescribe you medications that ease your symptoms and accelerate healing. These include expectorants, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics for bacterial bronchitis. NB: Do not discontinue prescribed treatments and follow the treatment plan. Inhaling isotonic saline solution can be a good supplementary treatment as it does not interact with other drugs.

As acute bronchitis can be attributed to a viral infection of the airways in nine out of ten cases, it is difficult to avoid it entirely. However, there are things you can do to minimise the risk:

• Avoid smoking – active and passive.
• As bronchitis is often caused by flu viruses, talk to your doctor about the flu jab.
• Strengthen your immune system with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
• Take care of your airways, for example through regular inhalation therapy with isotonic saline solution.

Bronchitis is unpleasant. With the right treatment, you can alleviate the symptoms. Take care to avoid risk factors such as tobacco smoke. It is essential that you see your doctor for chronic bronchitis and that you are treated according to their instructions to prevent the disease progressing. Consider regular inhalation therapy with saline solution to support the natural defense mechanism of your airways.