What should you know about bronchitis and pink eye?

Bronchitis inflames the airways and causes cough, mucus, or chest discomfort. Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, inflames the thin surface over the eye and may cause redness, watering, sticky eye discharge, or gritty discomfort. A virus can affect both areas, while bacteria, allergy, or irritation can cause conjunctivitis separately. Light sensitivity, significant pain, or vision change is less typical of simple conjunctivitis and should not be dismissed as part of a chest infection.

Wash hands often, avoid rubbing the eyes, use separate towels, and clean discharge gently with clean water and a fresh pad. Do not share eye drops or use leftover antibiotics. Rest, drink fluids, and avoid smoke. A GP consultation can distinguish likely causes and decide whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate; antibiotics do not help viral bronchitis.

Seek urgent eye care for marked pain, light sensitivity, reduced or blurred vision, swelling around the eye, or an eye injury. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or blue lips. Arrange review if discharge is heavy, symptoms are worsening, or a contact-lens wearer develops a red or painful eye.

Ask whether the eye and chest symptoms are likely to share an infection, how to prevent spread at home, whether drops are needed, and which eye or breathing changes require same-day care.