KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Acute bronchitis is most often caused by viruses and in many cases, the same viruses that cause colds and the flu also cause bronchitis.
Rarely, bronchitis may also be caused by a bacteria or fungus. In some cases, being exposed to smoke, fumes or dust may also cause bronchitis.
Many of the symptoms of bronchitis are the same as those of the common cold. In fact, some people refer to bronchitis as a chest cold. It's also common to get bronchitis after having a cold.
The main symptom of bronchitis is a cough that often brings up clear, yellow or green mucus, and other symptoms can include body aches, chest congestion, chills and a low-grade fever.
