With colder temperatures and flu season right around the corner, the coughing and sneezing around your home and office is probably starting. One of the most common illnesses you can develop during the colder months is acute bronchitis. We’ve put together what you need to know about acute bronchitis so you’re heading into the colder months prepared.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acute bronchitis is a chest cold that develops when the lung’s airways sell and produce mucus in the lungs. This causes you to have a persistent cough. Acute bronchitis is also known as a “chest cold” and often lasts for around three weeks. It is the most common form of bronchitis and is often developed as a result of an upper respiratory infection or a virus.

The CDC shares that symptoms of acute bronchitis can include:

> Coughing with or without mucus

> Chest soreness

> Fatigue

> Mild headache

> Mild body aches

> Sore throat

Acute bronchitis typically gets better on its own without the need of antibiotics. If you are experiencing symptoms of acute bronchitis, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can also use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer in your home environment and use a saline nasal spray or drops to help relieve a stuffy and congested nose. The CDC shares some other ways you can manage- suck on lozenges and use honey to relieve a cough for adults and children that are at least one year of age. Do not give lozenges to children.

When it comes to preventing acute bronchitis, wash your hands regularly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. The CDC also recommends getting the recommended vaccines, like the flu vaccine. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke and cover your nose and mouth when you are coughing or sneezing. Encourage others around you to do the same.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek medical care if they progress to the following:

> Temperature of 100.4° or higher

> Cough with bloody mucus

> Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

> Symptoms that last more than three weeks

> Repeated episodes of bronchitis

Find your doctors with Mountainside Medical Group by visiting mountainsidedocs.com or by calling 866-999-5162.