Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs, usually caused by an infection
It often clears up on its own within around 3 weeks
Symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu
Long-term airway inflammation is known as chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD
It's often spread through coughing and sneezing
About Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs, usually caused by an infection, and often clears up without treatment within around 3 weeks. Some people develop long-term airway inflammation, known as chronic bronchitis, which forms part of a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of bronchitis can resemble a cold or flu, and include a cough (which may bring up clear, white, yellow or green mucus), chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, a sore throat, a runny nose, and a high temperature.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Bronchitis · Self-Care
Managing Bronchitis Yourself
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What Can Help
Bronchitis is often caused by infections that spread easily through coughing and sneezing, so it's worth taking steps both to ease your symptoms and reduce the risk of passing it on. Getting plenty of rest, staying home if you have a high temperature or don't feel well enough for normal activities, and drinking plenty of fluids can all help. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease discomfort and help bring down a temperature, and adding honey to a warm drink can help soothe a sore throat (though honey shouldn't be given to babies under 1).
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues promptly, and washing your hands regularly with soap and water all help limit spread. It's best to avoid smoking, since this can make symptoms worse and slow recovery.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Bronchitis · Getting Help
When to Get Medical Help
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
Seeing a GP
Bronchitis usually clears up on its own within about 3 weeks — see a GP if your symptoms last longer than this.
?? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
You've had a cough for more than 3 weeks; you cough up blood or blood-stained mucus; you have chest pain that comes and goes, or happens when breathing or coughing; you're over 65; you're pregnant; you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition; you have a weakened immune system, for example due to a condition affecting immunity or having chemotherapy; you feel too unwell for your usual daily activities; or you're feeling short of breath. Call 111 for advice with a child aged 4 or under.
?? Call 999 if:
You're struggling to breathe, choking, gasping, or unable to speak; you have pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue (easier to see on the lips, tongue, gums, under the nails, or around the eyes on brown or black skin); you suddenly feel confused, such as not knowing where you are; or you can't wake your baby, or they feel floppy. Do not drive yourself to A&E — the 999 call handler will advise you what to do.
Treatment
Bronchitis usually clears up without specific treatment within around 3 weeks. If it's caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be needed, which a GP can assess and prescribe if appropriate.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
