Does acute bronchitis cause fever?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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First, we need to know that acute bronchitis refers to the acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa caused by biological, physical, chemical stimulation, or allergens. The main symptoms in most patients are cough and expectoration. The cough usually presents as a dry cough or a small amount of viscous sputum. Over time, the amount of sputum may increase, or the cough may worsen. A small proportion of patients may have bloody sputum. The cough and expectoration can last for two to three weeks, and in very rare cases, some patients may develop chronic bronchitis if the condition does not resolve. However, for most patients, the primary manifestations are still localized, that is, symptoms like cough and sputum. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, generally present mildly.

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What medicine is used for acute bronchitis?

Generally speaking, two types of medications are needed. One is for symptomatic treatment, and the other is antibiotic therapy. Symptomatic treatment: If there is coughing without sputum or little sputum, cough suppressants can be used. If there is coughing with sputum, expectorants can be chosen. If there are symptoms of chest tightness or shortness of breath, asthma-relieving medications can be used. Fever can be treated with antipyretic and analgesic medications as appropriate. Antibiotic treatment: It can only be used when there is evidence of bacterial infection. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, etc., and these medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.

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Symptoms of bronchitis

If it is acute bronchitis, the onset is usually quite sudden and symptoms may include fever, cough, and expectoration. Some patients may experience bloody sputum or symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. Coughing and expectoration often continue for two to three weeks, after which most patients can recover. If it is chronic bronchitis, the onset is often gradual, and symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, and wheezing occur repeatedly. The episodes each year may last for more than three months.

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Causes of bronchitis

Bronchitis is mostly caused by the invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the body, affecting the bronchi. Common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, rhinovirus, adenovirus, mycoplasma, chlamydophila, and it might also be due to infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Bordetella. It often occurs when the body's immune system is compromised, due to staying up late, being exposed to cold, lack of sleep, or getting wet in rain. During the acute phase, symptoms such as high fever, chills, coughing, spitting phlegm, and breathing difficulty may occur. It's important to detect and treat it early to prevent it from turning into chronic bronchitis.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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Acute bronchitis fever lasts for several days.

Generally, in cases of acute bronchitis, the fever may last for three to five days. This duration varies depending on each patient's constitution and the severity of their condition, so the timeframe differs for everyone. It is advised not to worry too much. By following the guidance of a doctor and actively carrying out symptomatic treatment, one can manage. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medications should be taken; otherwise, physical methods of cooling should be used. Drinking plenty of water helps promote excretion. Acute bronchitis typically has a sudden onset, usually accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, or chest tightness and breathing difficulties. During such times, it's recommended to follow a doctor’s guidance and possibly use nebulized inhalation for treatment and symptom relief. This may involve inhaling steroids or bronchodilator medications to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, it is important to maintain fresh and flowing air indoors, with appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

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Written by Han Shun Li
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What to watch out for with acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is still relatively common in clinical practice. So, what should be paid attention to when one has acute bronchitis? First, it is important to rest, avoid staying up late, avoid fatigue, drink more water, and quit smoking. Second, regarding medication, it is necessary to use drugs scientifically under the guidance of a physician, including the use of antibiotics, cough suppressants, and expectorants, among others. Additionally, acute bronchitis should be taken seriously. It is important to cooperate fully with the doctor's treatment and not to neglect it, as neglect may delay treatment and lead to the transformation into chronic bronchitis, which would be more troublesome.