Do You Have Bronchitis or Pneumonia? Bronchitis usually happens after you've suffered through a cold. You may be feeling better but have an annoying cough that just won't go away. The cough can be dry or productive with phlegm and you may feel tired, have a mild headache, body aches and sore throat. Antibiotics are not recommended for bronchitis because it's usually caused by a virus. The virus causes inflammation and mucus production in the airways and this is what causes you to cough. Bronchit