Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes) that carry air to and from the lungs. The hallmark sign is a cough that can drag on for weeks, sometimes with mucus and a tight, sore chest. Most cases are acute and follow a viral upper respiratory infection; chronic bronchitis is a distinct, longer-term condition linked to ongoing irritation.
Key points
- Cold and flu viruses are behind the vast majority of cases, inflaming the airway lining and setting off the cough reflex.
- A cough that can persist for several weeks, at times bringing up mucus, is the defining feature of the illness.
- Cefixime and similar antibiotics matter only where a secondary bacterial infection has been confirmed, not for the viral illness itself.
- A cough that returns or worsens after seeming to improve can signal pneumonia rather than ordinary bronchitis.
What drives the cough
Viral infections cause the vast majority of acute bronchitis episodes. The same viruses responsible for colds and flu inflame the bronchial lining, triggering mucus production and the cough reflex as the body tries to clear the airways. Bacterial infections are less common but do occur, and this is where antibiotics such as cefixime may become relevant if a secondary bacterial infection is confirmed.
Seasonal patterns matter. Cool, damp air and indoor crowding favour respiratory spread and can drive seasonal spikes in cases. In temperate climates, winter months drive the bulk of cases.
When to get checked
Most acute bronchitis clears within two to three weeks. See a doctor if the cough is accompanied by high fever, blood in the sputum, shortness of breath at rest, or symptoms that worsen after an initial improvement, as these may signal pneumonia or another condition needing closer attention.