Acute bronchitis most commonly occurs after an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or a sinus infection.Therefore, you may see symptoms such as fever with chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and sore throat.

Cough is a common symptom of bronchitis. The cough may be dry or may produce phlegm. Significant phlegm production suggests that your lower respiratory tract and the lung itself may be infected and you may have pneumonia. The cough may last for more than two weeks. Continued forceful coughing may make your chest and abdominal muscles sore. Cough can be severe enough at times to injure the chest wall or even cause you to pass out. Wheezing may occur because of the inflammation of your airways. This may leave you short of breath.