Bronchitis and shortness of breath: what to know

Inflamed bronchial tubes can produce mucus and make air move less freely, especially during coughing. Acute bronchitis may therefore cause chest tightness, noisy breathing or breathlessness with activity. Asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis can also cause breathlessness or make a respiratory infection harder to tolerate. Anaemia, angina and atrial fibrillation are other possible causes, so the symptom should not be assigned to bronchitis without an assessment. Anaphylaxis is an emergency possibility when breathing trouble starts quickly with swelling, hives, wheezing or throat tightness.

Stop exertion, sit upright and move away from smoke or other irritants. Take prescribed inhalers exactly as directed; do not borrow another person’s inhaler. Sip fluids if coughing makes your throat dry. Contact a clinician promptly if breathlessness is new, limits normal activity, occurs at rest or is accompanied by fever or chest discomfort. Have your medicines and relevant medical history ready when you seek advice.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, severe chest pain, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Urgent assessment is also needed for breathlessness after a possible allergen exposure. Do not drive yourself if you are struggling to breathe or feel faint.

Could asthma, COPD or another condition be contributing? Do I need an oxygen check, chest examination or other tests? How should I use my prescribed inhaler during this illness? Which warning signs mean I should seek emergency help?