If you have been having a viral vs bacterial bronchitis debate over your symptoms then you might be at a loss as to what illness you are experiencing. Learning about the symptoms that come with acute viral bronchitis will give you a clearer picture of what you are experiencing.
Acute viral bronchitis is actually a very common disease and if you have had a recent illness, or other viral respiratory infection. If you have had such an infection your body will not be able to fight off viruses and you may find yourself suffering from acute viral bronchitis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an acute viral bronchitis are very similar to the common cold; in fact the virus that causes this type of bronchitis is the same one that causes colds. You will feel a slight soreness in your throat, and then a dry cough.
The cough is the most persistent symptom when you are experiencing acute viral bronchitis. The cough will either be consistent throughout your bout of acute viral bronchitis or will get worse. In the beginning of the illness the cough will be dry, however over time it will produce mucus.
Another classic symptom of acute viral bronchitis is a wheezing and ‘rattle’ in the chest. This can be very alarming especially when coupled with a shortness of breath, another common symptom. Chest pains are also common, as is a soreness or tightness in the chest area.
Treatment
Antibiotics are not a good treatment option for acute viral bronchitis, this is because the illness is caused by a virus and will not respond to antibiotics. Your doctor will want to open up your airways that are most likely congested. One type of medicine that can be helpful in treating acute viral bronchitis is a bronchodilator.
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Loosening mucus is another treatment option and to this effect your doctor may prescribe decongestants. However this will only treat the symptoms and may not work effectively for everyone suffering from this type of bronchitis. There is no harm in taking this kind of medication if it helps to loosen mucus and increase cough productivity.
Rest is important when you are suffering from acute viral bronchitis. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important to recover from bronchitis. Using a cool mist humidifier can also be helpful to soothe congested airways. If you are being treated for acute bronchitis and the symptoms have not cleared up after two weeks. Breathlessness and wheezing are also cause for concern.
