Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe ConnectionSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Connection
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When the two conditions occur together, symptoms such ascoughingandshortness of breathcan be compounded. Bronchitis can also prompt an asthma flare and make managing the condition especially challenging.And given the similarities of symptoms, it’s possible to think you have chronic bronchitis when you actually have undiagnosed asthma.
Verywell / Hilary Allison
Asthma is a chronic condition, but bronchitis can be acute (a brief period of inflammation and swelling in the lungs) or chronic (bronchial tube inflammation causes a cough on most days of the month, at least three months of the year, and lasts for at least two years in a row).
While more research is needed, studies on childhood health may hold some answers about the relationship between infections, asthma, and bronchitis.
Furthermore, the lung function impairment that occurs in childhood asthma may predispose to chronic bronchitis later in life.
Asthma and bronchitis have four overlapping symptoms:
Some aspects of these symptoms differ in each condition.
May come and go, even within the same day
Cough is dry and especially occurs at night or early morning
Periods between symptoms may be prolonged
Bronchitis SymptomsConsistent throughout the dayMore constant; chronic cases unlikely to have a prolonged symptom-free periodCough typically wet (i.e., with mucus) and ongoingOften progressive (chronic bronchitis)
Consistent throughout the day
More constant; chronic cases unlikely to have a prolonged symptom-free period
Cough typically wet (i.e., with mucus) and ongoing
Often progressive (chronic bronchitis)
When acute cases of bronchitis occur following exposure to viral illnesses, additional symptoms can include:
Many people refer to acute bronchitis as a “chest cold” and complain of a post-viral cough, sore throat, andcongestionthat resolves in a few days to a few weeks.
Asthma symptoms may also start or get worse with viral infections.
Thecauses of asthmaare still unknown, but it is believed to be due to both genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
You are at an increased risk of developing asthma or experiencing worsened asthma symptoms if you have:
Symptoms of asthma occur or worsen with exposure to asthma triggers, including common allergens such as dust mites or pollen. Triggers vary from person to person.
Common triggers include:
Chronic bronchitis leads to chronically irritated airways, decreased airflow, and scarring of the lungs. It is a type ofchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs.
In addition to asthma, risk factors for chronic bronchitis include:
Smoking cigarettes or heavy exposure to secondhand smoke is particularly problematic since it commonly causes chronic bronchitis and is a common trigger for asthma.Symptoms of both conditions can worsen while smoking.
Causes of AsthmaGenetic predispositionEnvironmental factorsAllergensCauses of BronchitisViral illnesses (acute bronchitis)Smoking or heavy exposure to secondhand smoke or pollutants (chronic bronchitis)Asthma (risk factor)
Causes of AsthmaGenetic predispositionEnvironmental factorsAllergens
Genetic predisposition
Environmental factors
Allergens
Causes of BronchitisViral illnesses (acute bronchitis)Smoking or heavy exposure to secondhand smoke or pollutants (chronic bronchitis)Asthma (risk factor)
Viral illnesses (acute bronchitis)
Smoking or heavy exposure to secondhand smoke or pollutants (chronic bronchitis)
Asthma (risk factor)
If you have symptoms of asthma or bronchitis, your healthcare provider will ask you about what you’re experiencing, as well as your personal and family medical history. You will have a physical exam.
Testing possibilities include:
You might have PFTs before and after you use abronchodilator medication. If your lung tests significantly improve after you use the medication, this is an indication that obstruction has resolved and you may be diagnosed with asthma. If airway obstruction persists after you use the medication, it could indicate that you have chronic bronchitis.
Diagnosis using PFTs can be complicated and diagnostic confusion sometimes occurs.
For example:
When it’s hard to determine if someone has asthma, bronchitis, or both, additional testing—such as computed tomography (CT) of the chest and lung volumes with diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide may be able to differentiate the two, as well as a history of allergies or a childhood history of respiratory issues (which suggests asthma).
Diagnosis of AsthmaChronic symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough)Personal and family history of allergiesPhysical examPulmonary function tests, which may significantly improve after being given a bronchodilator medicationDiagnosis of BronchitisChronic coughing with mucusPersonal and family history of smoking or exposure to smoke or environmental pollutantsRecent viral or bacterial infections for acute bronchitisPhysical examPulmonary function tests
Diagnosis of AsthmaChronic symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough)Personal and family history of allergiesPhysical examPulmonary function tests, which may significantly improve after being given a bronchodilator medication
Chronic symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough)
Personal and family history of allergies
Physical exam
Pulmonary function tests, which may significantly improve after being given a bronchodilator medication
Diagnosis of BronchitisChronic coughing with mucusPersonal and family history of smoking or exposure to smoke or environmental pollutantsRecent viral or bacterial infections for acute bronchitisPhysical examPulmonary function tests
Chronic coughing with mucus
Personal and family history of smoking or exposure to smoke or environmental pollutants
Recent viral or bacterial infections for acute bronchitis
Pulmonary function tests
Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve on their own.Acute bronchitis treatmentgenerally focuses on symptom relief.
Your healthcare provider may recommend some of the following medications and remedies if you have acute bronchitis:
The overall treatment plan for asthma depends onasthma severityand symptom triggers, but the most commonly prescribed medications include:
A rescue inhaler may be all that’s needed for the treatment of mild intermittent asthma orexercise-induced asthmathat only happens during physical activity.
Your healthcare provider will also help you develop anasthma action planfor recognizing asthma triggers and knowing what steps to take based on symptoms.
If you have asthma and bronchitis, diligently adhering to recommendations for one condition can impact your experience with the other.
Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:
In general, when asthma is well controlled and you are not experiencing symptoms, your lung function will return to near normal.
If you have chronic bronchitis, your lung function will not return to normal because the lungs have been damaged. Still, symptoms can sometimes improve with a combination of treatments, including medications and lifestyle interventions, especially quitting smoking and/or avoiding smoke and pollutants whenever possible.
Some of the same medications used for asthma are also helpful for chronic bronchitis, so make sure that your healthcare provider is always aware of all medications you are taking so that you aren’t doubling up.
Treatments for chronic bronchitis include:
Smoking cessation medications, such as prescription Chantix (varenicline) or OTC nicotine replacement therapy, may help you quit smoking. They don’t directly treat your asthma or bronchitis but can help you quit so that smoking isn’t triggering symptoms and lung damage.
Asthma TreatmentsFast-acting, short-term medications (rescue inhalers)Long-term controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroidsAsthma action planBronchitis TreatmentsAntibiotics (acute bacterial cases)OTC cough medicationsFast-acting, short-term medications (rescue inhalers)Long-term medications, such as corticosteroidsPulmonary therapyOxygen therapy
Asthma TreatmentsFast-acting, short-term medications (rescue inhalers)Long-term controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroidsAsthma action plan
Fast-acting, short-term medications (rescue inhalers)
Long-term controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids
Asthma action plan
Bronchitis TreatmentsAntibiotics (acute bacterial cases)OTC cough medicationsFast-acting, short-term medications (rescue inhalers)Long-term medications, such as corticosteroidsPulmonary therapyOxygen therapy
Antibiotics (acute bacterial cases)
OTC cough medications
Long-term medications, such as corticosteroids
Pulmonary therapy
Oxygen therapy
A Word From Verywell
If you’re experiencing a chronic cough or shortness of breath, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider who can help evaluate whether it might be asthma, bronchitis, or something else.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or both, stick to your treatment plan and notify your healthcare provider if you experience any changes or worsening of symptoms.
Bronchitis Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bronchitis.Tagiyeva N, Devereux G, Fielding S, Turner S, Douglas G.Outcomes of childhood asthma and wheezy bronchitis. A 50-year cohort study.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2016;193(1):23-30. doi:10.1164/rccm.201505-0870OCKudo M, Ishigatsubo Y, Aoki I.Pathology of asthma.Front Microbiol.2013;4:263. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2013.00263Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Medicines can trigger asthma.Gentry S, Gentry B.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician; 95(7):433-441.Rosenberg SR, Kalhan R.Chronic bronchitis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Magnifying why smoking cessation still matters most.Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016;13(7):999–1000. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201605-360EDBonnie F, Marianna S, Suzanne L.Patient information series. Pulmonary function tests.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2014;189(10):P17-8. doi:10.1164/rccm.18910P17Rogliani P, Ora J, Puxeddu E, Cazzola M.Airflow obstruction: Is it asthma or is it COPD?Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2016;11:3007-3013. doi:10.2147/COPD.S54927Albert RH.Diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician; 82(11):1345-50.Gatheral TL, Rushton A, Evans DJ, et al.Personalised asthma action plans for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4(4):CD011859. Published 2017 Apr 10. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011859.pub2Additional ReadingNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma 2007 (EPR-3).
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bronchitis.Tagiyeva N, Devereux G, Fielding S, Turner S, Douglas G.Outcomes of childhood asthma and wheezy bronchitis. A 50-year cohort study.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2016;193(1):23-30. doi:10.1164/rccm.201505-0870OCKudo M, Ishigatsubo Y, Aoki I.Pathology of asthma.Front Microbiol.2013;4:263. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2013.00263Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Medicines can trigger asthma.Gentry S, Gentry B.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician; 95(7):433-441.Rosenberg SR, Kalhan R.Chronic bronchitis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Magnifying why smoking cessation still matters most.Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016;13(7):999–1000. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201605-360EDBonnie F, Marianna S, Suzanne L.Patient information series. Pulmonary function tests.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2014;189(10):P17-8. doi:10.1164/rccm.18910P17Rogliani P, Ora J, Puxeddu E, Cazzola M.Airflow obstruction: Is it asthma or is it COPD?Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2016;11:3007-3013. doi:10.2147/COPD.S54927Albert RH.Diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician; 82(11):1345-50.Gatheral TL, Rushton A, Evans DJ, et al.Personalised asthma action plans for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4(4):CD011859. Published 2017 Apr 10. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011859.pub2Additional ReadingNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma 2007 (EPR-3).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bronchitis.Tagiyeva N, Devereux G, Fielding S, Turner S, Douglas G.Outcomes of childhood asthma and wheezy bronchitis. A 50-year cohort study.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2016;193(1):23-30. doi:10.1164/rccm.201505-0870OCKudo M, Ishigatsubo Y, Aoki I.Pathology of asthma.Front Microbiol.2013;4:263. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2013.00263Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Medicines can trigger asthma.Gentry S, Gentry B.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician; 95(7):433-441.Rosenberg SR, Kalhan R.Chronic bronchitis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Magnifying why smoking cessation still matters most.Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016;13(7):999–1000. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201605-360EDBonnie F, Marianna S, Suzanne L.Patient information series. Pulmonary function tests.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2014;189(10):P17-8. doi:10.1164/rccm.18910P17Rogliani P, Ora J, Puxeddu E, Cazzola M.Airflow obstruction: Is it asthma or is it COPD?Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2016;11:3007-3013. doi:10.2147/COPD.S54927Albert RH.Diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician; 82(11):1345-50.Gatheral TL, Rushton A, Evans DJ, et al.Personalised asthma action plans for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4(4):CD011859. Published 2017 Apr 10. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011859.pub2
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bronchitis.
Tagiyeva N, Devereux G, Fielding S, Turner S, Douglas G.Outcomes of childhood asthma and wheezy bronchitis. A 50-year cohort study.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2016;193(1):23-30. doi:10.1164/rccm.201505-0870OC
Kudo M, Ishigatsubo Y, Aoki I.Pathology of asthma.Front Microbiol.2013;4:263. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2013.00263
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Medicines can trigger asthma.
Gentry S, Gentry B.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician; 95(7):433-441.
Rosenberg SR, Kalhan R.Chronic bronchitis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Magnifying why smoking cessation still matters most.Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016;13(7):999–1000. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201605-360ED
Bonnie F, Marianna S, Suzanne L.Patient information series. Pulmonary function tests.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2014;189(10):P17-8. doi:10.1164/rccm.18910P17
Rogliani P, Ora J, Puxeddu E, Cazzola M.Airflow obstruction: Is it asthma or is it COPD?Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2016;11:3007-3013. doi:10.2147/COPD.S54927
Albert RH.Diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician; 82(11):1345-50.
Gatheral TL, Rushton A, Evans DJ, et al.Personalised asthma action plans for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4(4):CD011859. Published 2017 Apr 10. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011859.pub2
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma 2007 (EPR-3).
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