A cough is often a sign of a severe illness, such as the seasonal flu, but it can also mean a simple chest cold. A chest cold is technically known as acute bronchitis and causes the lungs to swell and produce mucus. This can be quite uncomfortable, so it’s best to get checked out by a doctor right away. In some cases, it may even be a sign of a bacterial infection called pneumonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People with chronic diseases or a compromised immune system are more susceptible to chest colds. Generally, a chest cold is a viral infection that will go away on its own. However, if you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease<\/a>, your doctor may recommend a cough medicine or an inhaler to help you cope with your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several ways to treat bronchitis, which include home remedies for cough and the use of over-the-counter medications. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids if they determine that the infection is bacterial. However, these treatments may only help you relieve the chest cold symptoms, not cure them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n