Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for acute bronchitis. This is an infection of the "bronchi," which are the tubes that carry air into the lungs.
Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not help. Your cough should get better within 2 to 3 weeks, but it can take a bit longer.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
●Stay away from smoke-filled places. Avoid other things that can cause breathing problems like fumes, pollution, dust, and other common allergens.
●Drink lots of water, juice, or broth to replace fluids lost by a runny nose and fever.
●If you have medicines to take when feeling short of breath, carry them with you. Then, you can take them when needed.
●Take warm, steamy showers to help soothe your cough. You can also use a cool mist humidifier.
●Use hard candy or cough drops to soothe sore throat and cough.
●Wash your hands often. This helps prevent spreading the infection to others.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Are having so much trouble breathing you can only say 1 or 2 words at a time
•Need to sit upright at all times to be able to breathe, or cannot lie down
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have trouble breathing when talking or sitting still
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
●Have chest pain when you cough, have trouble breathing but can still talk in full sentences, or cough up blood
●Develop a barking cough
●Are still coughing in 3 weeks
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Acute bronchitis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Chronic bronchitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Cough in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Shortness of breath (The Basics)
Patient education: Acute bronchitis in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Chronic cough in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Shortness of breath (dyspnea) (Beyond the Basics)
