Bronchitis is an inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes. These tubes in the lung carry air into the lungs from the mouth and nose.

The swelling narrows the airway causing a cough and may make breathing more difficult. The irritation can also lead to increased production of mucus, which blocks the airway.

Bronchitis can be classified as either allergic, non-allergic, or asthmatic, depending on its cause.

Although the symptoms of bronchitis are similar regardless of the cause, there may also be differences, especially in how long a person will feel the effects of the condition.

Allergic bronchitisShare on Pinterest
Allergic bronchitis occurs when an allergen inflamed the lining of the bronchial tubes.

Allergic bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchi caused by an allergen, or something to which you are allergic.

Airway irritants, such as pollen, dust, and mold, can trigger symptoms. Cigarette smoking almost always causes allergic bronchitis.

The symptoms of allergic bronchitis may last for a long time or keep recurring.

Allergic bronchitis that lasts longer than three months is often called chronic bronchitis. This is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis is almost always caused by cigarette smoking.

Symptoms of allergic bronchitis include:

  • a cough that produces mucus
  • wheezing
  • chest tightness
  • tiredness

Bronchitis can also lead to complications. For example, lung infection, such as pneumonia, can occur. In the most severe cases, pneumonia can lead to an infection in the bloodstream called septicemia. Septicemia is often life-threatening.

Non-allergic bronchitis

Non-allergic bronchitis occurs because of a viral or bacterial infection. For example, some people develop non-allergic bronchitis after a cold.

Although anyone can develop non-allergic bronchitis, older adults have a higher risk of experiencing the condition. People with weakened immune systems and those who smoke also have a higher chance of developing bronchitis after an upper airway infection.

Symptoms often improve within a few weeks and are less likely to recur than the symptoms of allergic bronchitis.

Non-allergic bronchitis is sometimes called acute bronchitis, as symptoms may onset suddenly and are typically brief.

Symptoms of non-allergic bronchitis might include:

  • a cough that produces mucus
  • chills
  • fever

Share on Pinterest
Asthmatic bronchitis can occur in people who already have asthma as an underlying condition.

Like bronchitis, asthma is a lung condition that can cause breathing difficulties. Asthma can also cause inflammation of the bronchi, but can also lead to narrowing of the muscles around the airways.

When bronchitis and asthma occur together, and symptoms overlap, the condition is often known as asthmatic bronchitis.

Inflammation that triggers symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis might occur in someone who has underlying asthma after exposure to certain substances, such as pollen, pollution, and cigarette smoke. Some people also develop asthmatic bronchitis because of a change in weather or exercise routine.

People with asthmatic bronchitis respond to these environmental triggers by releasing leukotrienes. These are inflammatory molecules. Leukotrienes cause a series of reactions, including narrowing of the airway.

Symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis may include:

  • coughing
  • excess mucus production
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath

A doctor will diagnose allergic bronchitis based on several factors.

They will review the medical history of the individual with suspected allergic bronchitis, as well as perform a physical exam, usually ask questions to determine how long symptoms have been occurring.

The physician may use a chest X-ray to rule out some other causes of breathing problems, such as pneumonia. They may also request blood tests to help determine if an infection is present.

The patient may also receive a pulmonary function test. This involves the individual blowing into a special device called a spirometer. The device measures how much air a person can exhale, and how quickly.

The test helps doctors to identify the presence of lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Treatments for allergic and asthmatic bronchitis are often similar and may include the following:


Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways. As the muscles relax, the airways dilate or widen, often making breathing easier. People take bronchodilators through a metered dose inhaler.

Both short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators are available. Short-acting bronchodilators act quickly to decrease symptoms, but the effects do not last.

Long-acting bronchodilators do not reduce symptoms as quickly but control symptoms for a longer period.


Steroids may also be used to treat allergic bronchitis. Steroids decrease inflammation in the bronchi. This action reduces coughing and may help air-flow in the lungs.

Although steroids can be an intravenous or oral medication, a physician will often administer them through an inhaler in cases of bronchitis. This allows for quicker and more effective delivery of the drugs to the area that requires treatment.


A mucolytic drug is a medication that makes the mucus thinner and less sticky. This making it easier to expel mucus from the lungs by coughing.

People can take mucolytics either orally or through a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a device that changes a liquid medication into an aerosol. A person can then inhale this aerosol.

Oxygen therapy

In some instances, allergic bronchitis can interfere with the efficiency of oxygen flow into and out of the lungs.

People with severe allergic bronchitis may have decreased levels of oxygen in the blood. If oxygen levels are low, a doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy.

This can help restore oxygen levels to normal.

Pulmonary rehabilitation classes

People with chronic allergic bronchitis may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation classes. Pulmonary rehabilitation classes involve supervised exercise, along with education on how to breathe better and manage allergic bronchitis. These classes show people how to decrease exposure to allergens that may trigger symptoms.

Acute non-allergic bronchitis often does not require treatment. Doctors treat asthmatic bronchitis in a similar way to allergic bronchitis, with bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen as needed. However, acute non-allergic bronchitis may also be treated with antibiotics if caused by a bacterial infection, though this is uncommon.

In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe leukotriene modifiers to treat asthmatic bronchitis. These work by interfering with the chemical reactions that cause the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis.

Share on Pinterest
A humidifier can moisten the air and loosen mucus.

Many of the treatments for allergic bronchitis require a prescription. However, there are also steps a person can take at home to reduce the effects of bronchitis.

Although home remedies will not cure the underlying cause of allergic bronchitis, they may help to reduce symptoms.

These steps including:

  • Using a humidifier: A humidifier will moisten the air. This can loosen mucus and make it easier to expel. It may also decrease wheezing. People with asthma should check with their doctor before using a humidifier.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids: Drinking enough water may help keep mucus thin.
  • Gargling with salt water: The coughing from allergic bronchitis can lead to a sore throat. Gargling with salt water might ease discomfort.
  • Taking a cough drop: A cough drop may keep the throat moist and can provide relief from coughing.

Preventing allergic bronchitis usually involves avoiding irritants, such as chemical fumes, dust, and air pollution. Prevention of asthmatic bronchitis includes both avoiding triggers and managing your underlying asthma according to the plan developed with your doctor.

Cigarette smoke is one of the leading causes of allergic bronchitis, so quitting smoking, or not starting at all, is one of the best ways to prevent the condition.

If outdoor allergens, including pollen or mold, tend to cause allergic bronchitis, wear a mask when carrying out yard work. This might also prevent symptoms.