Bronchitis and wheezing: what to know

Acute bronchitis often follows a respiratory infection. Swollen airway lining and sticky mucus make air movement less smooth, producing a high-pitched sound during breathing. Wheezing is a common presentation of acute bronchitis, although wheezing can also occur with asthma, COPD, allergic rhinitis or bronchiolitis. A sudden wheeze after food, medicine or an insect sting can signal anaphylaxis and is an emergency.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, avoid tobacco smoke and use a humidified environment if it feels soothing. Follow any prescribed reliever inhaler instructions; do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. A clinician may listen to your chest and decide whether inhaler therapy, testing or nebuliser treatment is appropriate. Antibiotics do not treat most viral bronchitis.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, rapidly worsening wheeze, or swelling of the face or throat. Arrange prompt medical review if wheezing is new, keeps returning, limits normal activity, or occurs with chest pain, high fever or coughing blood. Children, older adults and people with lung disease may need earlier assessment.

Ask what is causing the wheeze, whether you need a breathing test, how to use any inhaler, and which changes should prompt urgent help.