If you’ve been dealing with a nagging cough that won’t seem to go away, you’re not alone. Bronchitis is one of the most common causes of a prolonged cough, especially after a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection. While the worst of your illness might be over, that persistent cough can linger for weeks, leaving you wondering whether it’s normal or something more serious. Here’s what you should know about how long bronchitis symptoms last, why the cough can stick around, and when it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
For same-day cough and bronchitis treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our center is open 7 days a week and appointments are never required to be seen by a board-certified medical provider. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, simply check-in below!
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes (the airways that carry air to your lungs) become inflamed and irritated. This inflammation leads to excess mucus production and a persistent cough as your body tries to clear the airways.
There are two main types of bronchitis:
- Acute Bronchitis: Often caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, and typically resolves within a few weeks.
- Chronic Bronchitis: A long-term condition often linked to smoking or repeated respiratory irritation, lasting months or longer.
For most people, acute bronchitis is the more common form and the one responsible for that stubborn post-illness cough.
How Long Does the Cough Last?
The cough from acute bronchitis can last anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, but in some cases, it may linger for up to 8 weeks. Even after the infection clears, the airways can remain sensitive and inflamed, leading to ongoing coughing fits- especially when exposed to cold air, smoke, or strong scents. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:
- First few days: Symptoms often start like the common cold: sore throat, congestion, and fatigue.
- 1 to 2 weeks: The cough becomes more prominent and may produce mucus (clear, yellow, or green).
- 2 to 4 weeks: Other symptoms fade, but the cough can persist as the airways heal.
- After 4 weeks: If your cough continues beyond a month, it may be due to lingering inflammation or another condition, such as asthma, postnasal drip, or pneumonia.
Why Does the Cough Linger?
Even after the main infection resolves, inflammation in the bronchial tubes can take time to calm down. Your airways remain sensitive, triggering a reflexive cough when you breathe in cold air, talk for long periods, or lie down. Other factors that can prolong recovery include smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, underlying allergies or asthma, weakened immune system, or environmental irritants. If your cough worsens instead of improving, or if it starts to interfere with sleep or daily activities, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
When to Visit Urgent Care
A cough that lasts a couple of weeks can be frustrating but is often part of the healing process. However, you should visit an urgent care center if you experience:
- Cough lasting longer than 3 to 4 weeks
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fever lasting more than a few days
- Coughing up blood or discolored mucus
At an urgent care center, providers can listen to your lungs, rule out pneumonia or other infections, and recommend treatment such as prescription cough suppressants, inhalers, or antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is suspected).
Get Same-Day Bronchitis & Cough Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth
A cough from bronchitis can feel like it’s lasting forever, but in most cases, it gradually improves within a few weeks. If your cough is lingering longer than expected, or if you experience any concerning symptoms, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth for an evaluation. Your provider can help determine whether the cough is simply part of recovery, or a sign of something that needs further treatment. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment not only helps to alleviate symptoms but also prevents the spread of the infection to others. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week, so you can just stop by when it’s convenient for you! If you have any additional questions about cough treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our office directly at (908) 677-5900.
