Causes

• Viruses that cause colds
• Bacteria
• Tobacco/ cigarette smoke
• Stomach acids that persistently back up into food pipe

Symptoms:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Feeling of constriction or burning in the chest
• Wheezing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fever with chills
• Malaise

Seek medical advice when

• Severe cough interfering with sleep
• Fever beyond 4 to 5 days
• Associated heart or lung problem
• Coughing up blood or rust colored sputum
• Repeated attacks of bronchitis
  

Diagnosis

• Chest X-ray
• Lung function test

Complications

• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema 
  

Prevention

• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Avoid exposure to irritants and air pollutants
• Use face masks around other people who are coughing and sneezing

Self care at home

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and muscle aches
• Avoid exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke
• Cool mist vaporizer/humidifier to reduce bronchial irritation

Treatment

• Antibiotics will not cure viral illness
• Medications to suppress cough
• Bronchodilators to open the airways and to reduce the airway resistance
• Antibiotics in bacterial infection