Which specialist treats acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the airways that can cause cough, mucus, chest discomfort, tiredness, and sometimes wheezing. A GP listens to the chest, checks breathing and temperature, and considers whether the illness resembles a common cold, pneumonia, asthma, or another problem. Most care focuses on comfort, fluids, rest, and monitoring rather than automatically using antibiotics.

Follow the treatment plan and drink enough fluid to avoid becoming dehydrated. Avoid smoking and smoky air, and rest while your breathing and energy recover. Use medicines only as advised, since cough remedies and antibiotics are not suitable for everyone. A nebuliser treatment may be considered when a clinician finds airway narrowing or significant wheeze.

Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, or coughing blood. Arrange prompt medical review if breathing is becoming harder, wheezing is marked, fever is persistent, or a cough is worsening instead of settling. People with lung disease, frailty, or reduced immunity may need earlier assessment.

Ask whether your examination suggests bronchitis or another chest problem, whether an inhaled treatment is appropriate, and which changes should prompt reassessment. Ask whether antibiotics are useful in your situation and how to reduce exposure to smoke while you recover.