COVID-19 and Bronchitis

The symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, include fever, fatigue, a cough, shortness of breath, body aches, and a sore throat. These can also happen with other conditions, including bronchitis. It’s hard to tell what you have just by how you feel.

Bronchitis is the general term for inflammation of the cells lining the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. The main symptom is a deep cough that comes on fast. It can start as a dry, hacking cough, but you’ll usually start noticing mucus. Other symptoms might include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort
• Cold symptoms, such as a mild headache or body aches

You might have a cough for a few weeks or months after your other symptoms clear up.

To be on the safe side, call your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Other signs of COVID-19 may include:

• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Congestion or a runny nose
• Stomach problems like pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Pinkeye
• Skin rash

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is something that comes up suddenly and doesn’t last that long. Some people call it a chest cold. It’s usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. But it can also be a symptom of COVID-19.

It can be easy to mistake symptoms of a cold, the flu, or bronchitis for COVID-19. This is especially tricky because the symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild. You won’t be able to tell if COVID-19 is causing your symptoms without a lab test for the virus. Your doctor can help you know if you need a test.

Chronic Bronchitis

In some cases, bronchitis can be chronic, meaning it lasts for more than a few months or keeps coming back. This can be caused by smoking, air pollution, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

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