4 Stages of a Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis): Symptoms, Treatment, and More

• A chest cold occurs when the airways of the lungs swell and produce mucus and phlegm in the lungs, causing a nagging cough.
• Chest colds are most commonly caused by upper respiratory tract infections due to respiratory viruses, such as the influenza virus, but can be caused by bacterial infections or triggered by irritants such as cigarette smoke as well.
• One can relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis with proper rest, ample hydration, pain relievers, and more. People with lung problems such as asthma or COPD, may be more prone to complications.
• If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, chills or a high fever, seek medical care for immediate treatment.

With the cold and flu season well on its way, it is important to understand various types of illnesses you can be susceptible to. One such sickness is a chest cold, the common name for acute bronchitis.

This article will explain the basics of a chest cold, including its stages, symptoms, treatment, and more.

A chest cold (acute bronchitis) is a sickness that occurs when the lung’s airways become inflamed. This inflammation then leads to the production of mucus in the lungs and spasm in the wind pipes, which will cause a cough as a result. 

Causes

Acute bronchitis is commonly caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus, but can also happen due to a bacterial infection or by irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, etc. as well.  It happens when the infection or virus moves from the upper respiratory system into the bronchial tubes.

Chest Cold Symptoms 

Chest cold symptoms include: 

• Cough (with or without mucus) 
• Chest congestion and soreness/​chest discomfort
• Mild wheezing
• Fatigue
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches
• Sore throat/​throat irritation/​scratchy throat

Diagnosis

Chest colds are diagnosed by a physical examination and symptoms assessment. If there is a fever, chest X‑rays may sometimes be necessary to rule out pneumonia, which is a lung infection.

Risk Factors 

Risk factors associated with chest colds include developing pneumonia or whooping cough. As well, those with lung conditions such as COPD or asthma, or those with weakened immune systems, may exhibit more severe symptoms when sick with a chest cold.

95 percent of acute bronchitis cases are the result of a virus including: 

• Rhinovirus (common cold)
• Parainfluenza viruses (croup)
• Adenovirus (respiratory disease)
• Influenza viruses A and B (the flu)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The technical ​“stages” of a chest cold will be dependent on the virus that triggered it. In general, though, most viruses go through a similar life cycle. Being aware of this progression can help you notice symptoms in the early stages, which means you can start treatment sooner. Below is a general outline of how a virus, such as the common cold or flu, can progress into acute bronchitis. 

Stage 1 (Incubation Period)

Most viruses go through an incubation period (initial infection until the beginning of symptoms) and then progress into symptomatic stages of illness thereafter. 

Incubation periods for common bronchial viruses include: 

• Common cold: 8–10 hours
• Croup: 2–6 days
• Respiratory disease: 2–14 days
• Flu: 8–14 days

Stage 2: Symptom Onset

Once the virus’ incubation period has passed, early symptoms from the given virus will appear. 

Common cold symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Post-nasal drip
• Watery eyes
• Fever (rare) 

Classic symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children than adults) 

Note: Another type of respiratory disease called croup is rare in adults, but more common in children. Symptoms include a loud cough that worsens at night, a high fever, agitation, and fatigue. For more information on the symptoms and development of croup, visit this resource. 

Stage 3: Acute Bronchitis 

Once the given virus has progressed, it can sometimes lead to acute bronchitis. Peak symptoms of acute bronchitis usually last between seven and 10 days, though some symptoms may last up to two weeks. 

Note: If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Stage 4: Recovery

Once the symptoms of the chest cold have resolved, there are typically no lasting effects, despite a persistent cough. That, too, should resolve within a few additional weeks. 

Chest colds will usually go away on their own without medical intervention; the condition simply must run its course. As such, the main focus for recovery is on treating symptoms and relief through rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter remedies like cough suppressants or decongestants. 

Some options to relieve symptoms include: 

• Get plenty of rest: This includes getting quality sleep. Rest is key to healing because it helps the immune system work better and fight off illness.
• Hydrate: Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Staying hydrated when sick is crucial because it can help relieve symptoms such as headaches, replace fluids lost to fever, and boost the immune system. Some ways to hydrate include drinking warm liquids, such as herbal teas and broths, as well as water.
• Use a humidifier: Having a space where the air is dry can cause additional irritation to your airways. However, humidity helps loosen mucus which is why using a humidifier can be great for chest colds. If you don’t have a humidifier, the steam from hot showers can also be beneficial. 
• Use saline nasal sprays: They can help moisten nasal passages, making breathing easier.
• Use throat lozenges: They can provide temporary relief for a sore throat and help with cough and throat irritation.
• Try over-the-counter cough and cold medicines: This can help reduce coughing and relieve other symptoms you may be experiencing. Certain over-the-counter medicines to try include:
  • Robitussin: A cough suppressant medication with the active ingredient dextromethorphan. 
  • Guaifenesin: This medication is known as a cough expectorant. Its main active ingredient is guaifenesin, which thins mucus in the body’s airways. 
  • Benzonatate (Cough Perles): This medication helps suppress the cough. 
• Avoid cigarette smoke: This includes secondhand smoke and other irritants such as vapes, cigars, etc.

What Medications Can Be Used To Treat A Chest Cold?

Again, while most cases of a chest cold are due to a viral infection, there is a possibility that it could have bacterial causes. If a chest cold is confirmed to be the result of bacteria, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can help lessen the amount of time you’re contagious, although symptom duration may not be impacted.

Note: Taking antibiotics will be ineffective for cases due to viral infections.

You should seek medical attention if you’re experiencing any of the following: 

• A high fever (100.4 °F or higher)
• A cough that produces bloody mucus
• Shortness of breath, persistent wheezing or trouble breathing
• Chest discomfort or pain when breathing deeply or coughing
• Symptoms that persist for more than three weeks
• Repeated cases of bronchitis 

Preventing illness in the first place is important. Prevention strategies for warding off illness during cold season include: 

• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Practice good self-care such as getting proper rest, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and maintaining a well-rounded, healthy diet.