What is the first treatment tried for acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is irritation and inflammation of the breathing tubes, often after a viral infection. Cough is the main symptom and may continue after the initial illness starts to settle. Supportive care helps your body recover while reducing discomfort; antibiotics do not treat viral infections and are not routinely the first step.

A clinician may listen to your chest and check your breathing to distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia, asthma, or another problem. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Rest when you need it, drink regularly, and avoid smoking or smoky air. Follow the label or a clinician’s advice when using medicine for pain or fever, and check before combining products that contain the same ingredient. Honey in a warm drink may soothe a cough for adults and children over one year; never give honey to an infant.

Wheeze or tight breathing may prompt a clinician to consider an inhaled treatment or [Nebuliser Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/nebuliser-treatment/). Do not start leftover antibiotics. If a bacterial infection or another diagnosis is suspected, a clinician may discuss [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/).

Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, or coughing up more than a small streak of blood. Arrange prompt assessment for chest pain, dehydration, a high or persistent fever, symptoms that are worsening, or a cough that is not gradually improving. People who are pregnant, older, or living with lung or heart disease may need earlier advice.

Could this be asthma, pneumonia, or another cause of my cough? Which symptom-relief medicines are suitable with my other conditions? What changes in my breathing or fever should prompt urgent care?