The viruses that cause the common cold also often cause bronchitis. Some doctors call bronchitis a chest cold due to the link between these two conditions, which involve inflammation in different parts of the respiratory tract.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways that deliver air to the lungs. The condition is a type of lower respiratory tract infection that often occurs due to viruses. It can also develop when bacteria, fungi, or foreign substances enter the lower part of the airways. Symptoms include a persistent cough that brings up mucus.
Many viruses can cause colds, which are upper respiratory tract infections that can cause a stuffy, runny nose, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. Coughing is a symptom of both colds and bronchitis. Both are self-limiting, meaning that they mostly get better without treatment.
This article explains whether a cold can turn into bronchitis. It also goes over how to tell the difference, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.
According to the American Lung Association, bronchitis can be a complication of the common cold.
Around
The upper respiratory tract
- windpipe
- smaller airways
- lungs
As these areas have a close physical connection, viruses can quickly move from one area to another.
Any respiratory virus can cause cold symptoms, according to a
- being an older adult
- having a suppressed immune system
- eating a diet low in nutritional value
Healthcare professionals may refer to the common cold as a “head cold” and bronchitis as a “
Learn more about the common cold.
| Cold symptoms | |
|---|---|
| blocked nose or congestion | cough with mucus |
| runny nose | fatigue |
| sore throat | chest pain |
| hoarseness | wheezing |
| coughing | breathlessness |
| tiredness | fever |
| weakness | |
| fever |
If a person has a stuffy nose that improves after a few days, they are
The nose and the rest of the airways have the same kind of mucous membrane lining, which produces thicker mucus during an infection. During a cold, this leads to a runny, leaky, or blocked nose.
During bronchitis, the airways
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), cold symptoms should improve after 10 days.
If a person’s cough continues for up to 3 weeks, the infection may have spread to the lower respiratory tract. It can take
A cold is a viral illness, meaning that treatment involves soothing symptoms while the illness passes.
Bronchitis often has a viral cause but sometimes develops due to bacteria, fungi, or other infectious agents that may require antibiotic or antifungal medication.
Rest and fluids can help people feel better while both illnesses pass. As both can involve coughing, hot water or tea with honey can help soothe a sore throat.
Decongestant tablets, nasal sprays, or drops are available over the counter to help reduce a runny nose during a cold.
People may wish to use cough suppressants or expectorants to
Learn more about treating a cold and bronchitis.
People can generally recover from colds and bronchitis at home.
However, persistent or worsening colds and bronchitis may require contacting a healthcare professional to rule out more severe infections or underlying health problems. Many different infections can cause similar symptoms to colds and bronchitis.
Those with a cold should consider seeking a medical opinion if the following symptoms apply:
- a fever lasting 3 days or longer
- a high fever
- worsening symptoms
- breathlessness
- chest pain
- cold symptoms that do not improve after 10 days
- a cough lasting 3 weeks or longer
If an individual experiences severe breathing problems or chest pain, they should seek medical care right away.
People with bronchitis should also contact a healthcare professional if they have a cough for a more than 3 weeks, experience chest pain, or cough up mucus that contains blood.
If people with cold or bronchitis symptoms have a compromised immune system due to cancer treatment, an immune disorder, or medications for a recent organ transplant, they should consider speaking with a healthcare professional as soon as they notice symptoms.
How do you prevent a cold from turning into bronchitis?
The best way to prevent a cold from turning into bronchitis is to avoid getting a cold in the first place, but colds are common, and the American Lung Association advises that this can be difficult. They recommend:
- avoiding physical contact with those who have colds, particularly in the first few days
- thoroughly handwashing after contact with people who have colds or objects they have touched
- washing the hands after blowing the nose
- keeping the fingers away from the nose and eyes
Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke may also help to prevent bronchitis, according to the
Do I need antibiotics for bronchitis?
Bronchitis is usually viral, which means antibiotics
The same viruses that cause the common cold can also lead to bronchitis, depending on which part of the respiratory tract they affect. A cold is more likely to cause nasal symptoms, such as a runny or blocked nose, while persistent, phlegmy coughing is a classic sign of bronchitis.
Both illnesses resolve without treatment most of the time. Symptom relief varies depending on whether a person is experiencing nasal congestion or severe coughing. If a cold does not get better within 10 days or bronchitis within 3 weeks, a healthcare professional can rule out other health problems.