Testing negative for COVID-19, yet still feel like some of your symptoms remain? If you’re experiencing extensive coughing that keeps you up at night and difficulties breathing, then this could be a post-viral infection known as acute bronchitis, which is eliciting your post-COVID symptoms. 

Respiratory illnesses can show similar symptoms to COVID-19, making it very difficult to distinguish. The viral infection COVID-19 can lead to further complications, including the respiratory condition known as bronchitis. This causes inflammation in the lungs, making coughing a prominent symptom with difficulties in breathing due to constant congestion. Discussing and acknowledging these symptoms are crucial to prevent any further complications like pneumonia. 

Keep reading to discover whether your persistent symptoms are caused by bronchitis, what symptoms to look for, how it develops post-COVID and potential remedies to assist in curing bronchitis. 

Introduction to COVID-19 and post-viral complications

‘Long COVID’ is a common term utilised for those who experience many symptoms even after experiencing COVID, seen in up to 10% of patients.¹ Although this exact virus could be the cause for further illnesses, including bronchitis.²

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many suffering from further long-term health complications, even after testing negative.³ Viruses can commonly cause chest colds, such as acute bronchitis.⁴

Hence, many respiratory-related illnesses can cause potential lung issues that may last a very long time and are difficult to get rid of.³ These further complications include pneumonia, where inflammation in the lungs occur due to various bacteria, viruses or fungi entering the system, causing fluid to fill the air space.^3,4 A common post-viral complication that we will focus on in this article is bronchitis, an illness that can stem from COVID-19.³

Around 90% of healthy individuals are susceptible to viral infections.⁵ While normally, viral infections like influenza have increased cases during winter, acute bronchitis can occur at any time during the year.⁵ Other viruses like the rhinovirus are also capable of developing into bronchitis, not just COVID-19 alone.⁵

So, what is bronchitis?

Bronchitis stems from the inflammation of the cells that line the bronchi or known as the airways in the lungs, causing excess mucus production and coughing.⁶ Bronchitis is one of the leading admissions at the hospital for children, specifically in high-income countries.^7,8 The rate of hospitalisations has almost doubled in children for bronchitis in comparison to pre-pandemic times.⁷

There are sub-categories for bronchitis known as acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.⁶ Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition, targeting the lower respiratory tract where the bronchi are located.^5,6 This section is essential for optimal air transport whilst we breathe.^5,6 Chronic bronchitis is a longer-lasting condition that tends to be more serious due to its damaging effects and can often return even after healing.⁶ This can stimulate constant coughing and difficulties with breathing, eliciting adverse effects like asthma and emphysema also known as COPD.⁶

Symptoms of bronchitis

Both COVID-19 and bronchitis reflect similar symptoms.⁸

Common symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Persistent cough (lasting several weeks)
• Chest discomfort or tightness 
• Mucus production (green/yellow in colour)
• Sore throat
• High temperature 
• Mild headaches 
• Runny nose 
• Wheezing^4,5,6,9

What is the difference between the symptoms of COVID-19 and bronchitis?

Some symptoms overlap with COVID-19 and acute bronchitis, making it hard to differentiate the two.⁶ These include wheezing, shortness of breath, mucus filled cough and even chest pain.⁶

However, high fevers are uncommon in acute bronchitis, alongside loss of taste and a dry cough instead of a wet one, symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19.^5,6 Persistence of coughing longer than a few weeks alongside lower respiratory tract symptoms may indicate acute bronchitis.⁵

Viral infections like COVID-19 can weaken the respiratory system, making you more susceptible to secondary infections like acute bronchitis.⁶ 

Are some people more susceptible to bronchitis than others?

The risk factors for obtaining bronchitis depend on whether it is acute or chronic. The main risk factors specifically for chronic bronchitis include older age, history of smoking, family history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.⁶

Air pollution, including smoke and environmental pollution, is known to worsen or induce respiratory illnesses.⁵ Those living in urban areas with worse air conditions from traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and emissions are more likely to experience bronchitis or other respiratory-related illnesses.⁵ Chronic bronchitis will not increase any risks of contracting COVID-19; however, battling COVID-19 may cause further complications due to compromised lung function.⁶

Treatment strategies and remedies for bronchitis 

Home remedies

Natural remedies are a great way to incorporate improvement to your lung health. Some home remedies to relieve symptoms and discomfort include steam inhalation. This will assist in loosening excess mucus that may block your airway.⁴ Drinking plenty of water is vital for clearing the body of excess toxins, alongside plenty of rest.⁹

Ayurveda, a holistic medicinal approach that began in India, has a few recommendations for those suffering with bronchitis.¹⁰ Consuming pure honey daily with some warm water may assist in removing any excess mucus blocking the lungs.^10,11 Consuming the fruit Amla, a natural antimicrobial, can also help in fighting bronchitis and consuming ginger.^5,10

Avoid smoking and stimulants that could worsen lung health and symptoms during this time.^8,9

When to seek medical help

Both COVID-19 and bronchitis will go away on their own without the need for treatment intervention unless the symptoms are unmanageable or severe.^7,8

However, seek medical care immediately if your temperature is high above 38 °C.⁴ If symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, breathing is short, you find it difficult to breathe, or you are coughing up blood, seek immediate medical attention.⁴

Medical treatments

Antibiotics will not tend to work when used against acute bronchitis or chest colds stemming from COVID-19.⁴ Bronchitis is typically caused by viruses, but approximately 10% of cases for acute bronchitis are caused by bacterial pathogens, where antibiotics can be administered after diagnosis.⁵ Beta agonists may be provided for those experiencing wheezing.⁵ Treatment plans will vary based on whether you have acute or chronic bronchitis, or even pneumonia.^6,7

Prevention mechanisms 

Ensuring you clean your hands regularly before touching your face or eating, especially in public, will help protect you from getting both COVID-19 and bronchitis.⁴

If you are vulnerable to illnesses like bronchitis, your GP may recommend the flu vaccine.⁴ Take the recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine along with the booster shots.⁶ The pneumonia vaccination may also be a good option based on age and other risk factors.⁶

Whilst COVID-19 increases susceptibility to bronchitis, many viral infections may cause the same outcome. Multiple symptoms overlap between COVID-19 and bronchitis; however, a few differences may be present, such as a dry cough during COVID, which could lead to a sputum-producing cough during acute bronchitis ^[5]. Acute bronchitis generally goes on its own without pharmacological intervention, however, it must be noted that the causation of pneumonia is also possible, and early detection is vital.⁵

FAQ’s

Can COVID-19 lead to chronic bronchitis?

Whilst COVID-19 may initially stimulate acute bronchitis, leaving it untreated for a long time or for those who are already at risk, may lead to development of chronic bronchitis.² Repeated episodes of bronchitis can cause further complications.

What is the difference between bronchitis and COVID-19?

Whilst the highly contagious COVID-19 is stimulated from a virus entering the system, bronchitis is the residual inflammation of the bronchial tubes because of a virus or pathogen entering the respiratory tract.^4,5

Summary

If you've recently recovered from COVID-19 but are still dealing with a nagging cough or chest discomfort, you might be experiencing post-viral bronchitis. In this article, we take a closer look at how COVID-19 can lead to bronchitis even after the initial infection has passed. We start by explaining how the virus affects your lungs and why some symptoms stick around longer than expected.

You'll learn to recognize the common symptoms of bronchitis, like a persistent cough, mucus buildup, and chest tightness, and how they differ from COVID-19 symptoms. While both conditions can make breathing difficult, bronchitis tends to linger without the fever or body aches typical of COVID-19.

We also walk you through practical treatment options. From rest and hydration to medications and home remedies like steam inhalation, you'll find helpful tips to ease your symptoms and support your recovery.

Lastly, we share prevention strategies you can use to protect your lungs going forward, like quitting smoking, boosting your immune system, and staying up to date with vaccines. Whether you're recovering or just want to stay informed, this guide will help you understand and manage bronchitis after COVID.