Bronchitis Slideshow Pictures Asthma Myths Quiz Slideshow Pictures Asthma Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

When to call the doctor for bronchitis

Although most cases of bronchitis resolve on their own, some people may have complications; however, their health care practitioner can relieve some of these symptoms.

• Severe coughing that interferes with rest or sleep can be reduced with prescription cough medications.

• Wheezing may respond to an inhaler with albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) or fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair), which dilates the airways.

• If fever continues beyond 4 to 5 days, see the doctor for a physical examination to rule out pneumonia.

• See a health care practitioner if the patient is coughing up blood, rust-colored sputum, or an increased amount of green phlegm.

When to go to the hospital for bronchitis

• If the patient experiences difficulty breathing with or without wheezing and they cannot reach their doctor, go to a hospital's emergency department for evaluation and treatment.

• If any of the symptoms become severe, call 911 for immediate treatment and transport to a hospital's emergency department.