How long does nebuliser treatment take to work for acute bronchitis?

A nebuliser changes liquid medicine into a mist that you breathe through a mouthpiece or mask. Bronchodilator medicine can relax tightened airway muscles, so breathing may feel easier while the medicine is active. The cough and airway irritation of acute bronchitis can continue after breathing improves.

Not every bronchitis cough needs nebulised medicine. A clinician may first check your breathing, oxygen level and whether asthma or another chest problem is contributing to symptoms.

Use the prescribed medicine and device exactly as shown, sitting upright and breathing calmly through the mouthpiece or mask. Clean and dry the equipment as instructed, and do not share it. Tell the clinician if the mist causes troubling shaking, a racing heartbeat or chest discomfort.

Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoke while recovering. Do not repeat a nebuliser dose simply because the cough remains unless your treatment plan specifically says to do so.

Seek urgent help if breathing remains difficult after treatment, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you become confused, or chest pain is severe. Arrange review for worsening fever, coughing blood or a cough that is not settling.

Ask which medicine is in the nebuliser, what improvement to expect, how often it may be used, and which symptoms mean you should return for assessment.