If your cough lasts more than 1 month or if you keep having a fever, you should see your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you cough up blood. If you have trouble breathing only when you lie down, or if your feet swell, you need to see your doctor. The best defense against acute bronchitis is not to smoke. Smoking damages the bronchial tree and makes it easier for viruses to cause infection.
Smoking also slows down the healing time, so that it takes longer to get well.
This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor. Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics. Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.