It comes on quickly and makes everyone around you cringe. It’s that hacking, deep, wet cough that brings up mucus. And it leaves you feeling a little worn down and tired.

These are all signs of acute bronchitis. Bronchitis means that the tubes that carry air to the lungs (the bronchial tubes) are inflamed and irritated. When this happens the bronchial tubes swell and produce mucus. This makes you cough.

The good news is that most healthy people who get acute bronchitis get better without any problems. The not-so-good news is that it’s typically two to three weeks before you’re back to 100 percent.

What causes acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection. You can get acute bronchitis a few days after having an upper respiratory tract infection, like a cold or the flu. Sometimes acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria.

Online treatment is an option
Bronchitis can be diagnosed and treated safely through an online interview. You’re asked the same questions you’d hear at an office visit. Then you get a treatment plan to minimize symptoms and keep bronchitis from becoming pneumonia.

Go to virtuwell.com – an online clinic, available day and night.