Bacteria are often the cause of bronchitis Infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The types of bacteria that cause acute bronchitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Both bacteria types can be treated. Acute viral bronchitis usually clears up without treatment. This type of bronchitis may follow a cold in a healthy person, or flare up in a person with chronic bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis involves coughing up mucus nearly every day for months or years.
Smoking increases the likelihood of getting acute bacterial bronchitis. Air pollution also contributes to chronic bronchitis, as does working around dust or chemical fumes. Good hygiene fights infection You can help guard against bronchial infection. Good personal hygiene such as frequent handwashing helps guard against infection with other people's germs. There are treatment plans, including medications, for acute bacterial bronchitis and its symptoms.