Bronchitis Recovery Time: What to Expect

The time it takes to recover from bronchitis can vary, depending on a few factors. For example, bronchitis that develops due to viruses or bacteria may take a few weeks to clear up, while chronic bronchitis symptoms may take months to improve. The treatment you receive may also affect how quickly you experience relief from your symptoms. Treatments can range from over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications to more targeted treatments, such as pulmonary rehabilitation.

Read on to learn more about recovery times for the types of bronchitis.

The term “bronchitis” often refers to acute bronchitis, one of the most common types of bronchitis, which a viral infection can cause Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source . According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), acute bronchitis symptoms may clear in a few days or weeks.

In many cases, acute bronchitis can result from viruses that lead to the common cold, the flu, or other conditions like COVID-19. In some instances, chemicals, dust, and allergens may also play a role.

OTC medications like cough or pain relievers may help relieve symptoms and make your recovery more tolerable. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen. Your symptoms may result from a condition other than a viral infection.

Learn more about when to see a doctor for bronchitis.

Prescription antiviral medications may help if a virus is the underlying cause. Antibiotics can’t treat viral infections, so they won’t help unless your condition causes Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia.

Bacterial bronchitis, as the name implies, results from a bacterial infection rather than a virus. Similar to viral bronchitis, it may take a few weeks to recover.

Your treatment plan may include pain relievers and fever reducers like ibuprofen (Advil). Even though doctors can prescribe antibiotics to manage bacterial infections, they usually don’t recommend them for people without a bacterial infection.

Overuse of antibiotics can cause antibiotic resistance Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , meaning the bacteria won’t respond well to antibiotics in the future. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for older people, those whose condition may worsen, or people with other chronic medical conditions.

If you receive a prescription for an antibiotic, try to take it as your doctor instructs.

If you experience regular exposure to industrial or environmental inhaled irritants, such as mineral dust or chemical fumes, you may experience irritative bronchitis. The bronchitis may be acute if short-term exposure to irritants causes it. Acute bronchitis may clear up in a few weeks, and reducing your exposure to the irritants can help.

However, bronchitis may become chronic due to long-term exposure to inhaled irritants and require long-term management.

Learn more about the difference between acute and chronic bronchitis.

If you experience exposure to irritants at work, wearing an air filtration mask may reduce how much you inhale, but you may still develop lung inflammation and bronchitis symptoms. 

Asthmatic bronchitis occurs when bronchitis develops in a person with asthma. Asthma is a chronic bronchitis risk factor, meaning your symptoms may last for months.

People with asthmatic bronchitis may require treatment for asthma and bronchitis. Your doctor may recommend:

• pain relievers
• bronchodilators
• corticosteroids
• medications that help break up mucus, making it easier to cough up
• oxygen therapy
• breathing exercises
• smoking cessation

Learn more about asthma and bronchitis.

In some cases, bronchitis can become chronic. The NHLBI defines chronic bronchitis as lasting for at least 3 months and recurring for at least 2 years consecutively.

Although respiratory illnesses and infections can cause chronic bronchitis, doctors can often diagnose Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source it in people who smoke or those who experience chronic exposure to secondhand smoke. There’s currently no specific cure for chronic bronchitis, also classified as a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Instead, recovery from chronic bronchitis revolves around managing the symptoms. Treatments include medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen your lungs and improve breathing. Quitting smoking if you smoke or reducing exposure Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source to secondhand smoke is also essential.

You may experience improvement in a few weeks to a few months with ongoing, long-term symptom management for chronic bronchitis. Tell your doctor if your prescribed medication or therapy doesn’t improve your symptoms. A different medication or combination of therapies may work better for you.

Bronchitis may be contagious if it develops from a microorganism that can transmit to people, such as bacteria or a virus. You can prevent transmission Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source by washing your hands properly and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. It may also help to avoid close physical contact with others until your symptoms clear.

The time it takes to recover from bronchitis can vary, depending on if it’s acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis may clear up in a few weeks on its own, while chronic bronchitis symptoms can last for months and require long-term management.

Talk with your doctor about ways to manage bronchitis and prevent recurrences.