Bronchitis
Also known as Chest cold
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways that carry air to the lungs. Acute bronchitis usually follows a viral infection and settles within a few weeks, and antibiotics rarely help. Chronic bronchitis is a productive cough on most days for at least three months in two consecutive years and falls under COPD.
Causes
- Viral respiratory infection in most acute cases
- Bacterial infection in a minority
- Tobacco smoking, the dominant cause of chronic bronchitis
- Air pollution and occupational dust exposure
Symptoms
- Cough, often producing clear, yellow or green mucus
- Chest discomfort or soreness from coughing
- Wheeze
- Mild breathlessness
- Low grade fever and fatigue in acute cases
- Cough that can persist for three weeks or more
Risk factors
- Smoking or second hand smoke exposure
- Existing lung disease such as asthma
- Occupational exposure to fumes and dust
- Weakened immune system
- Gastro oesophageal reflux
Diagnosis
- Clinical assessment and chest examination
- Chest X-ray to exclude pneumonia when signs suggest it
- Spirometry if chronic bronchitis or COPD is suspected
- Sputum testing in selected cases
Treatment
- Rest and adequate fluid intake
- Simple analgesia for chest soreness and fever
- Smoking cessation, which is the single most effective step
- Inhaled bronchodilators when wheeze is present
- Antibiotics only when bacterial infection is likely
- Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic disease
Self care
- Rest and drink fluids regularly
- Use honey and warm drinks, which soothe cough as well as most syrups
- Stop smoking, which is the single most effective step
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches and fever
- Try steam or a humidifier for comfort
- Expect cough to last two to three weeks
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Cough lasting more than three weeks
- Symptoms improving then suddenly worsening
- Wheeze or breathlessness that is new
- Repeated episodes each winter
- Coughing up blood
- Existing lung or heart disease with a chest infection
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke
- Annual influenza vaccination
- Good hand hygiene during winter
- Reduce occupational dust and fume exposure
- Treat asthma or COPD well
Outlook
Acute bronchitis is self limiting and settles within one to three weeks without antibiotics in most people. Cough often outlasts other symptoms. Chronic bronchitis is part of COPD and is progressive, but stopping smoking substantially slows decline and reduces exacerbations at any stage.
Common questions
Does green mucus mean I need antibiotics?
No. Mucus colour reflects immune cells rather than bacterial infection, and green sputum alone is not a reason for antibiotics in an otherwise well person.
How long should the cough last?
Cough after acute bronchitis commonly lasts two to three weeks and sometimes longer. A cough persisting beyond eight weeks, or with blood, weight loss or fever, should be assessed.
What is the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?
Bronchitis inflames the airways, while pneumonia involves infection of the lung tissue itself. Pneumonia more often causes high fever, marked breathlessness and abnormal findings on chest examination or X-ray.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.