Although cold, dry weather cannot cause bronchitis on its own, it can make you more susceptible to getting it. This is why, just like the flu and common cold, acute bronchitis is more common in wintertime.

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. It’s usually caused by a viral infection and is contagious, meaning it can be passed from person to person.

In North America, this condition is more common in the winter for many of the same reasons that flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the common cold are also more widespread. Read on to learn more.

Acute bronchitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as

As these viral infections increase in wintertime, so do cases of acute bronchitis.

You have a higher risk of getting bronchitis if you’re in close proximity to someone else who has it or a virus that causes it. When it’s cold outdoors, you’re more likely to come in contact with someone indoors who has it and get sick.

Additionally, low humidity (dry air, which is more common during cold temperatures) can lead to more people getting bronchitis and other viral conditions. Dry air can increase throat and nose inflammation. Your nasal passages need moisture, which aids in the flow of mucus and helps you clear away viruses that can make you sick.

Finally, dry, cold air can damage the cilia in your airways. Cilia are tiny hairlike structures that help keep pollutants and viruses out of your body and from making you sick. Without your cilia working at full strength, it’s easier to get a virus.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis are similar to those of several other conditions like the flu and pneumonia. They include:

Acute bronchitis typically resolves on its own with supportive treatments for its side effects like cough, even in colder months. Remedies include:

  • sucking on throat lozenges to ease your throat discomfort
  • drinking hot tea, which can include honey or ginger
  • getting rest
  • drinking plenty of water
  • using a humidifier
  • taking a pain reliever for headaches
  • taking an over-the-counter medication with dextromethorphan or guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin, or others) to relieve cough symptoms or to loosen mucus
  • taking prescription albuterol (a medication taken with an inhaler)

Note

Antibiotics are not used to treat acute bronchitis caused by viral infections. They are not effective and can also cause side effects.

To lower your risk of getting acute bronchitis in winter months, it’s suggested to:

To prevent passing an illness to others:

  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • Keep physical distance from others when you’re feeling unwell.
  • Stay home from work or school when you’re sick.

Acute bronchitis shares several similar symptoms with other conditions like asthma or pneumonia, including a persistent cough, with or without phlegm.

Other conditions include:

Acute bronchitis should resolve on its own with home remedies and rest. Schedule an appointment with a doctor if your cough does not go away after 3 weeks or gets worse, or if you have trouble breathing. These could be signs of chronic bronchitis or another condition.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor may order a blood test to check for signs of an infection or a chest x-ray to look at your bronchial tubes for inflammation.

While you can get the virus that causes acute bronchitis at any time, the condition is more common in colder winter months. This is related to the low temperatures and low humidity of the air, as well as being in close proximity to other people who may be sick.

Acute bronchitis typically resolves on its own with rest and home remedies within 2 to 3 weeks.