Bronchitis – the symptoms and what can help

Coughing and fever are signs of bronchitis, where airways to your lungs become inflamed. Learn about the causes and treatments available.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Causes of bronchitis 

Who’s most at risk?

When to see a doctor

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

What are the treatments for bronchitis?

Self-care tips for managing bronchitis

Do you have a nagging cough? Are you feeling short of breath, or wheezing when you breathe? These are signs of an inflammation of your airways, known as bronchitis. Learn about the different types of the condition, and how to feel better.

A mucus-filled cough that hangs around, chest pain, shortness of breath and tiredness are all signs of bronchitis. 

The condition develops when the airways leading into your lungs become inflamed and fill with mucus (phlegm). 

This can be caused by infections, for example the [common cold](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/common-cold), [the flu](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/flu) or [COVID-19](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/coronavirus-covid19). Or maybe you notice a flare-up of symptoms after coming into contact with smoke. 

Bronchitis can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), but while the causes are different, they often share similar symptoms. 


## What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

The signs can be very similar to those of a cold or the flu – it’s why bronchitis is sometimes called a chest cold. 

Some key symptoms include: 

- a persistent cough, where you may bring up clear, white, yellow or green mucus
- tiredness (fatigue)
- shortness of breath and wheezing
- a fever
- a runny nose
- chest soreness, especially when you cough.

With acute bronchitis, you may feel better after a few weeks, but the cough can linger.

But with chronic bronchitis, symptoms can stay around for up to 3 months, and recur in bouts for the next 2 years. 


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## Causes of bronchitis 

Acute bronchitis is usually triggered by an infection, but can also develop from non-infectious causes, such as: 

- __viruses__ – like the flu, adenovirus, the common cold and COVID-19
- __bacterial infections__ – from strains such as Bordetella pertussis, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Chlamydia pneumonia
- __pollution__ – from car fumes, or dust in your environment or workplace
- __smoking__ – whether this is tobacco or marijuana (cannabis), or breathing in secondhand smoke.

Chronic bronchitis is often brought on by lung irritants you inhale over time, commonly cigarette smoking, but also by air pollution and dust.


## Who’s most at risk?

Most cases of acute bronchitis are triggered by a viral infection, meaning anyone can develop it. But you’re more likely to be affected by the condition if you: 

- __smoke tobacco or marujana__, or spend a lot of time around someone who does 
- __work in an environment with chemical fumes__, dust or other lung irritants in the air
- __have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)__ – it causes an increase in stomach acid, which can lead to heartburn and irritate your throat
- __have a breathing condition__ like [asthma](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/asthma) 
- __have an autoimmune disorder__, or another illness that causes inflammation, making you more vulnerable to infection.

Risk factors for chronic bronchitis include smoking, long-term exposure to pollution and being over 40 years old. 


## When to see a doctor

Acute bronchitis usually only lasts a few weeks, but if you’ve had your cough for longer than this, or you’re having trouble breathing, see a doctor urgently. 

Also book an urgent appointment if you: 

- are over the age of 65
- have a fever over 100.4 F (38 C)
- are pregnant or have a weakened immune system
- you have chest pain on and off, or when breathing or coughing
- are coughing up blood, or blood-stained mucus
- you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition

### When you need emergency help

If you’re choking, you have pale, blue-ish skin or lips (on black/brown skin this may be clearer to see on the lips or tongue, under nails or around eyes), or you feel confused about where you are, get emergency help right away.


## How is bronchitis diagnosed?

Your doctor may listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for bronchitis. They might also ask you questions about your family history and your medical history. 

You may also have tests including: 

- __chest X-ray__ – to rule out other conditions that might be causing your cough, such as pneumonia
- __sputum test__ – checks a sample of your mucus for infection 
- __pulmonary function test__ – you blow into a spirometer, which measures how well your lungs are working. Often used to check for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A diagnosis for chronic bronchitis is usually only given if your symptoms have lasted at least 3 months, and come back again for at least 2 years in a row. 


## What are the treatments for bronchitis?

This depends on what type of bronchitis you have. Acute bronchitis usually goes away on its own after 3 weeks, but certain [lifestyle changes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/bronchitis#selfcare) can help you get back to health (and work) sooner. 

if your condition is being caused by a bacterial infection antibiotics may be prescribed. 

Chronic bronchitis is a lifelong condition but having a treatment plan in place can help you manage your symptoms. 

This may include: 

- __quitting smoking__ – it’s the most common cause of chronic bronchitis 
- __taking specific medicines__ to help you breathe better, such as bronchodilators and steroids 
- __using a humidifying device__ to maintain an ideal amount of moisture in the air of your home – this should help you breathe better and encourage the clearing of mucus in your airways
- __avoiding any environmental irritants__ that might affect your lungs
- __getting pulmonary rehabilitation__ – learning breathing techniques to help manage your symptoms. 

In specific cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged areas or the lung, or a lung transplant, but this is rare. 


## Self-care tips for managing bronchitis

Whether it’s acute or chronic bronchitis, certain self-help tips can help you manage your symptoms, and help prevent further infection, including: 

- __drinking plenty of fluids__ – this can help ease mucus in the airways 
- __washing your hands regularly__ – it helps stop the spread of germs
- __adding honey to warm drinks__ – it can help soothe symptoms
- __taking painkillers__ – for example, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen will help bring down a high temperature and manage pain
- __using tissues__ – to catch sneezes and coughs, but make sure you dispose of them properly in the trash
- __getting enough rest__ – it can help your body fight infection and promote healing
- __avoiding smoke and other lung irritants__ – whether secondhand smoke or chemical fumes in your workplace, such as paint or varnish. Try wearing a mask for protection
- __getting yearly vaccinations__ – the flu shot, COVID-19 booster and pneumonia vaccine can help you avoid infections that might go on to trigger bronchitis
- __asking your pharmacist for help__ with symptom relief, for example for a cough or stuffy nose
- __looking into support groups__ – [A+LUK BE HAPPY via Asthma + Lung UK](https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/groups-support/bronchiectasis-online-support-group), [BronchandNTM360social](https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Activity-Feed/?lastItem=13558), [The American Lung Association](https://www.lung.org/) and [NTM Connect](https://connect.ntminfo.org/home) are great resources for helping you connect with others going through similar experiences and breathing conditions.


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References

Amelia Glean

Jo Wheatley

Dr Maria Reza

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Find everything you need to know about bronchitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other useful resources.