Bronchitis and cough treatment online
A chest cold that lingers, a cough that keeps you up at night? Talk to a licensed provider by video or phone about bronchitis and get a plan to feel better.
- Licensed providers
- Same-day visits, usually
- Video or phone
Get started Members: request a visit
Written by the CheckMD care team · Updated
What acute bronchitis feels like
Acute bronchitis is swelling of the airways in the lungs, usually after a cold or flu. It is almost always caused by a virus. Typical signs:
- A cough – dry or with mucus – that can last two to three weeks
- Chest soreness or tightness from coughing
- A mild fever, tiredness and a sore throat early on
What your provider can do
Your provider listens to how the cough started and how you are breathing, and checks for signs of something more serious such as pneumonia. Because bronchitis is usually viral, antibiotics rarely help – the plan focuses on what does: rest, fluids, honey, humidified air and, when needed, medicine to calm the cough or open the airways.
People with asthma or COPD can talk about flare-ups and get their usual inhalers renewed.
Medicines your provider may prescribe
- Benzonatate or other cough medicine to help you sleep
- An albuterol inhaler if you are wheezing
- Antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is likely
Only when it is right for you: your provider checks your symptoms, allergies, other medicines and health history first. Prescriptions go to the pharmacy you choose.
What you can do at home right now
- Honey in warm water or tea (not for babies under 1)
- Use a humidifier
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid smoke
Get urgent help for
- Shortness of breath, fast breathing or wheezing that doesn't ease
- Chest pain, coughing up blood, bluish lips
- A fever above 102°F (39°C) or feeling very unwell
- A cough lasting more than three weeks, or one that keeps coming back
A virtual visit is not an emergency service. For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or a serious injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time.
Get help in three steps
Request a visit
Tell us what is going on and choose video or phone.
Talk to a provider
Usually the same day, often within hours.
Start feeling better
Get your care plan and any prescription at your pharmacy.
Questions about bronchitis
Do I need antibiotics for bronchitis?
Usually not. Most bronchitis is caused by viruses. Your provider will prescribe antibiotics only if there are signs of a bacterial infection.
How long does the cough last?
Often two to three weeks, even when you otherwise feel better. A cough beyond three weeks is worth another visit.
How do I know it isn't pneumonia?
High fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and feeling very unwell point to pneumonia. Tell your provider about any of these – you may need an exam or chest X-ray.
How much does an online visit cost?
Visits are part of your CheckMD membership – one yearly price, and you don't need insurance. You pay the pharmacy for any medicine. See the current plans on our pricing page or read about telehealth without insurance.
Can I be seen today?
Most visits happen the same day. Request a visit, choose video or phone and pick the earliest time.
What if I don't get better?
Book a follow-up visit. Your provider can adjust your treatment or tell you where to be seen in person. If you get worse quickly, don't wait – get urgent care.
Feeling unwell? Talk to a provider today.
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