How is acute bronchitis treated?

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes, often after a viral illness. Cough may continue after other symptoms ease, and phlegm does not by itself show that antibiotics are needed. A clinician listens to your chest and considers your breathing, temperature, medical history, and possible causes such as a common cold. Treatment may include fluids, rest, humidified air, and suitable pain or fever relief. A nebuliser treatment may be considered when wheezing or narrowed airways make breathing difficult.

Rest, drink regularly, avoid smoke and other airway irritants, and follow the label or clinician advice for any medicine. Do not start leftover antibiotics; antibiotic treatment is useful only when a clinician identifies a reason for it. Monitor whether breathing, fever, chest discomfort, and cough are improving. A GP Consultation is appropriate if the cough is worsening, unusually persistent, or affecting sleep and normal activity.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, coughing blood, or chest pain. Arrange prompt assessment for a high or persistent fever, dehydration, worsening weakness, or breathing that is harder than expected. People with asthma, chronic lung disease, significant heart disease, a weakened immune system, or frailty may need earlier review. Coughing Up Phlegm and Fever can occur with bronchitis, but a change in severity matters.

Does my examination suggest bronchitis or another chest problem? Do I need an inhaler or nebuliser? What symptoms would mean I should return? Is antibiotic treatment appropriate for my situation?