Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

7. Low Grade Fever

Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by a virus.  Most viruses also trigger low grade fevers in a person, so bronchitis will sometimes come with low grade fevers.  Note that fevers are sometimes present in bronchitis, but not always.  By definition, fevers are considered low grade when they range between 37.4°C and 39.4°C (100°F to 103°F).  A fever is one of the mechanisms by which the body’s immune system fights off the infection.  That being said, a fever is in itself not always a bad thing, but if it gets too high, as in 39.4°C (103°F) and above, then that is dangerous.  Watch out for high grade fevers because if the person is not cooled down quickly, the temperature could keep rising to the point that it would start damaging organs.  If a fever gets too high, it is best to cool the person immediately.  The fastest way to cool a person who is having a high fever is to wet them either by wiping them with a damp or wet cloth, wetting their head, or giving them a bath.  A bath is the best option, but it is not always an available option.

If a person with signs or symptoms of bronchitis begins to have high grade fevers, this could be an indicator that the bronchitis has progressed to something else.  Pneumonia is a possible progression.  At this point, it is best to consult with a doctor.