What is acute bronchitis?

  Acute bronchitis is a type of bronchitis that often has an acute onset. It often starts with an upper respiratory tract infection, dry cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness, etc. It is also accompanied by low-grade fever, fear of cold, malaise, cough, and phlegm that cannot be easily coughed out. Systemic symptoms may improve or disappear within 3-5 days, but the cough may last longer. Patients may inhale cold air or irritating odors to trigger or intensify the cough, which may lead to nausea and vomiting and chest muscle pain when the cough is intense. Dry rales can be heard on auscultation of the lungs. Chest radiographs are usually unremarkable and the blood picture is not high.  Treatment is mainly symptomatic. Patients with a severe cough with little sputum are given cough suppressants; patients with sputum or sputum that is not easily coughable are treated with phlegmolytic drugs. Antibiotic treatment is not recommended for patients without clear evidence of bacterial infection. In general, acute bronchitis can heal itself after a period of time through the operation of its own immune system.  Preventing colds can effectively prevent the onset of the disease by quitting smoking, eating a light diet and avoiding spicy and stimulating foods that can cause respiratory reactions; keeping indoor air circulation; taking proper rest; and exercising properly by doing some health exercises and playing Tai Chi to improve resistance to disease, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of the disease.