Acute Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes and Care

Acute bronchitis is short-term inflammation of the breathing tubes that carry air to the lungs.

When these tubes are irritated, their lining can swell and produce more mucus. This commonly follows a viral respiratory illness, including an illness that started like a common cold. It is different from chronic bronchitis, which involves longer-term airway problems.

A cough is a common presentation of acute bronchitis and may be dry at first or bring up phlegm. The mucus can change in appearance as the illness progresses; its colour alone does not tell whether antibiotics are needed. Fever, tiredness, chest discomfort from coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath can also occur.

Coughing can linger after other symptoms improve because inflamed airways remain sensitive. Seek prompt assessment for marked breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, coughing blood, severe chest pain, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling.

Viruses are a frequent cause. Infection and irritation damage the airway lining, leading to swelling and mucus. Smoke, vaping aerosols, dust and other airborne irritants can aggravate an existing cough or make recovery less comfortable.

The illness often begins with upper-respiratory symptoms and then develops into a chesty or persistent cough. Energy and fever may improve before the cough has fully settled. A clinician should reassess symptoms that persist, recur, or change character, because asthma, pneumonia and other conditions may need consideration.

People with asthma, chronic lung disease, weakened immunity, heart disease, or exposure to smoke may need earlier clinical advice when a respiratory illness develops. Infants, older adults and people who are pregnant should also seek advice promptly if breathing symptoms are concerning.

A clinician will ask about the cough, phlegm, fever, breathlessness, recent illness and health conditions. They may listen to the chest and check temperature and oxygen level. Further testing may be used when findings suggest pneumonia, another lung condition, or a different cause of symptoms.

Rest, fluids and avoiding smoke are central to care. A clinician or pharmacist can advise on suitable symptom relief, taking account of age, pregnancy and other medicines. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, but may be considered when a clinician identifies a bacterial infection or another specific reason. Wheezing or significant airway narrowing may need targeted inhaled treatment.

Use a clean tissue or elbow when coughing, wash hands regularly and avoid sharing drinks or utensils while unwell. Return to usual activity gradually as energy improves, and pause if exertion brings troublesome breathlessness.

Acute bronchitis can coexist with or be mistaken for other chest conditions. New confusion, severe weakness, dehydration, worsening breathlessness or chest pain needs urgent assessment. Contact a clinician if the cough is not improving as expected or if fever returns after improving.

A GP can assess chest symptoms, check for complications and advise whether tests or inhaled treatment are appropriate. Seek urgent care when red-flag breathing or chest symptoms are present.