When many people consider that they just have a very persistent cold or maybe a touch of the flu they may in fact be suffering from bronchitis. Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and the small and large bronchi, or airways, in the lungs.

There are a number of different causes for bronchitis, but it does occur most commonly in what is referred to as the “cold and flu” season, thus why it is often misdiagnosed, by the patient at least. Several strains of the flu can indeed develop into bronchitis. It can also occur as a reaction to inhaled irritants such as cigarette smoke or large amounts of dust.
Those suffering from acute bronchitis usually have a bad cough, wheezing, fever and chills and chest pain, usually caused by the strain muscles are put under by the excessive coughing.

Most cases of acute bronchitis will clear up on their own, although it may take several weeks. There are certain situations when a visit to the doctor can help relieve some of the more unpleasant symptoms though. Prescription cough medicines can help and for some wheezing and chest tightness can be relieved by using an albuterol inhaler. Acute bronchitis can become more serious, especially for the very young and the elderly. Any difficulties breathing should be reported to a doctor right away.

Contrary to what many believe bronchitis is a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. This has become a difficult concept for many doctors to convey to their patients, who misunderstand the purpose of antibiotics and believe they are a cure all that can be prescribed to treat any ill. Indeed some doctors feel so pressured for their patients’ demands for them they go ahead and prescribe a course of antibiotics anyway; even knowing they will be of no positive benefit. The overuse of antibiotics is a concern to many scientists and medical researchers as they say that antibiotics are being so commonly used that the current ones are becoming resistant to bacteria and therefore far less effective.

The best treatment for acute bronchitis is to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Advil or Tylenol can be great for relieving fever and general body aches and an over the counter cough medicine provides some, if not complete relief of nagging coughs.