Acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis explained

The phrase “acute chronic bronchitis” may be used informally for a sudden worsening in someone with chronic bronchitis, but these are distinct clinical ideas. Assessment focuses on breathing, oxygen level, fever, sputum changes and whether pneumonia or another cause is present.

Acute bronchitis often follows a viral respiratory infection. The airways become irritated, causing cough with or without phlegm, chest soreness and sometimes wheeze. Antibiotics do not treat viruses and are not routinely useful for uncomplicated viral bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis involves a long-standing productive cough and is commonly part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A flare can bring more breathlessness, increased sputum or a change in its colour. Clinicians tailor treatment to the person’s lung history and examination.

Rest, drink enough fluid and avoid smoke, dust and strong fumes while the airways recover. Use inhalers exactly as prescribed; ask a clinician or pharmacist to check technique if the medicine does not seem to reach your lungs.

Arrange review if the cough is worsening, repeatedly returns or disrupts sleep and normal activity. People with chronic lung disease should follow their written flare plan and contact their care team when sputum, wheeze or breathlessness changes. Do not start leftover antibiotics or steroids without clinical direction.

Get urgent help for breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pressure, coughing blood or an oxygen reading below the personal range set by your clinician. A high fever with rapid breathing or severe weakness also needs prompt assessment.

Call emergency services if the person cannot speak in full sentences, is using great effort to breathe or is difficult to wake. Babies, frail older adults and people with significant heart or lung disease merit earlier clinical review when breathing symptoms change.

Ask whether the illness appears acute or represents a chronic lung flare, whether pneumonia needs checking and which inhaled treatments are appropriate. Confirm how to monitor symptoms at home and when a change in sputum or breathing should trigger reassessment.