Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air into your lungs. There are two main types of bronchitis:
- Acute bronchitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection and often improves within a few weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis is a persistent, long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes that can last for months or years. It’s commonly caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants, most often cigarette smoke.
Both types of bronchitis cause similar signs and symptoms, including:
- Coughing up mucus
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Sore throat
- Low fever
- Fatigue
If you develop signs and symptoms of bronchitis, you may wonder how long you should stay home. Here’s a look at some general guidelines on when you can return to work or school after being diagnosed with bronchitis.
How Long to Stay Home With Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis often develops after a viral respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu. It can also occur after a bacterial infection. In healthy individuals, acute bronchitis typically improves on its own within a few weeks.
You should plan to stay home from work or school when you first develop signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis. This helps prevent spreading the infection to others.
In general, adults should avoid going out in public for at least 5 days after bronchitis symptoms start. Children should stay home for at least 3 days after the onset of acute bronchitis symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend staying home for longer, such as:
- 1 week – If your cough is very strong and productive.
- 2 weeks – If your symptoms are severe or you have a fever over 102°F (39°C).
The most important factor is that your symptoms need to improve before ending home isolation. You should no longer have a fever and your coughing should be minimal and controlled.
When It’s Safe to Return
For acute bronchitis caused by a virus, you can usually return to work or school when:
- You have had no fever for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
- Your cough has improved and is not disruptive.
- You are well enough to resume normal activities.
If your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may want you to finish a course of antibiotics before returning to work or school, to prevent transmitting the infection. Follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Some people continue to cough up mucus for weeks after acute bronchitis starts to improve. You may return to work or school as long as the cough is not severe enough to disrupt your activities.
How Long to Stay Home With Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis causes persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to coughing and excessive mucus production. Symptoms may last for several months out of the year, for two years in a row or longer.
Since chronic bronchitis is not contagious, home isolation is aimed primarily at resting and recovering, not preventing transmission.
During flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, plan to stay home for:
- At least 5 days – To recover from severe symptoms and avoid spreading any secondary respiratory infection that may be present.
- Up to 2 weeks – If symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath make activity difficult.
Your doctor may recommend staying home for longer if symptoms are severe or you have risk factors for complications like COPD or heart disease.
As with acute bronchitis, the main factors determining when you can return to normal activities include:
- Having no fever for over 24 hours
- Seeing improvement in coughing and congestion
- Feeling well enough to resume activity
If symptoms get worse or return, you may need to extend your time at home to fully recover. Work closely with your doctor.
Tips for Recovery at Home
Whether you have acute or chronic bronchitis, these self-care tips can help you recover:
- Rest – Get extra sleep and avoid strenuous activity.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, broth, herbal tea and other non-caffeinated fluids.
- Use a humidifier – This can ease coughing and help loosen mucus.
- Take medication – Over-the-counter drugs like NSAIDs and cough medicine can relieve symptoms. Follow dosing instructions.
- Avoid smoke – Don’t smoke, vape or expose yourself to smoke during recovery.
- Try honey – Honey may reduce coughing and soothe your throat.
- Use steam – Inhaling steam with eucalyptus or menthol can open airways.
- See your doctor – Follow up with your doctor if symptoms persist or get worse.
Staying home gives your body the rest and care it needs to recover. It also prevents infecting co-workers and classmates when contagious.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, you can treat acute bronchitis at home and fully recover within a few weeks. But contact your doctor right away if you experience:
- High fever above 102°F (39°C)
- Severe chest pain or tightness
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Worsening symptoms that don’t improve with home care
These may be signs of pneumonia or another complication that requires prompt medical treatment. People over age 65 and those with underlying health conditions should see a doctor for evaluation, even for mild acute bronchitis.
For chronic bronchitis, schedule a medical appointment if you experience increased chest tightness, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat and other concerning symptoms during a flare-up. Worsening chronic bronchitis may signal an infection or exacerbation that needs treatment.
Preventing Bronchitis
You can reduce your risk of developing bronchitis by:
- Washing hands frequently
- Avoiding close contact with sick people
- Not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- Getting an annual flu shot
- Keeping up to date on vaccines
- Avoiding air pollution when possible
If you have chronic bronchitis, an air purifier at home can help filter out irritants. Quitting smoking is also critical, as it’s the number one cause of chronic bronchitis.
Following your doctor’s treatment plan for any chronic lung disease is also important to prevent acute bronchitis flare-ups.
Conclusion
When recovering from bronchitis at home:
- Adults should stay home for 5-14 days depending on severity.
- Children should stay home for 3-7 days.
- Return to normal activity when fever has resolved and cough has improved.
- See a doctor if severe symptoms develop or persist beyond 2 weeks.
- Prevent future bronchitis by washing hands, avoiding smoke and getting vaccinated.
Staying home while contagious, resting and staying hydrated can help you recover more quickly from bronchitis. But see a doctor right away if your symptoms don’t improve or get worse while self-isolating at home.