Overview
Bronchitis is swelling and irritation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air into the lungs. It causes a cough, often with mucus.
There are two kinds. Acute bronchitis is short-term and very common. It usually follows a viral infection such as a cold or flu, and most people recover within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis is long-term: a cough with mucus that lasts at least three months and returns for at least two years in a row. It is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which has its own article in this library.
Symptoms
Acute bronchitis often looks like a cold or flu at first. Common signs are:
- A cough, with or without mucus
- Chest soreness or pain when coughing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- A sore throat and runny nose
- A mild fever and tiredness
Acute symptoms usually clear in two to three weeks. In chronic bronchitis the cough lasts for months, and breathlessness may build up.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor soon for a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus, chest pain that comes and goes or comes on with breathing or coughing, or feeling short of breath or too unwell for usual activities. Seek advice early for a child under five, and for anyone over 65, pregnant, with a long-term illness or with a weak immune system.
Causes
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, such as those behind the common cold, flu and COVID-19. These infections spread through coughs and sneezes. Bacteria are an occasional cause.
Chronic bronchitis comes from years of irritation of the airways. Smoking is the main cause. Secondhand smoke, polluted air, and fumes or dust also contribute.
Risk factors
- Smoking, including pipes and cigars
- Secondhand smoke, air pollution, and fumes or dust at work
- Older age, as chronic bronchitis usually begins in middle age or later
- A family history of COPD
- Asthma or acid reflux (GERD)
- A weak immune system or a long-term illness, which can make an infection more serious
Complications
Most people recover fully from acute bronchitis. Sometimes the infection reaches deeper into the lungs and causes pneumonia, which is more serious.
Chronic bronchitis can bring frequent chest infections and growing breathlessness. In severe cases there may be low oxygen levels, weight loss and swollen ankles.
Prevention
- Not smoking, and keeping away from other people's smoke
- Avoiding dust, fumes and polluted air where possible
- Washing hands regularly with soap and water
- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Staying at home while you have a high temperature
- A yearly flu , and the pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines when advised
Diagnosis
A doctor usually diagnoses bronchitis from your symptoms and by listening to your chest. A cough can also come from pneumonia, COVID-19, asthma or acid reflux, so tests may include:
- A chest X-ray
- Blood tests to look for infection
- Lung function tests, if long-term bronchitis or COPD is suspected
Treatment
Acute bronchitis usually clears up without treatment in about three weeks. Rest, drink plenty of fluids and use pain relief such as paracetamol for fever and aches. A warm drink with honey can soothe the throat, but honey should not be given to babies under one year.
do not help when a virus is the cause. A doctor prescribes them only if a bacterial infection is likely. An may be given to people who wheeze.
Chronic bronchitis cannot be cured, but treatment eases symptoms and slows it down. The most important step is to stop smoking. Care may also include inhalers, vaccinations, pulmonary rehabilitation (exercise and breathing training), and oxygen at home if oxygen levels are low.
Myths and facts
Things people often say about this. Open each one to see what is true.
Myth“A chest cold needs antibiotics to cure it.”What is true?
Fact
Most bronchitis is caused by a virus, and it usually clears up by itself in about three weeks. Antibiotics are prescribed only when a bacterial infection is the cause, which is less common. Rest, plenty of fluids and pain relief such as paracetamol are usually enough.
Myth“Bronchitis is only a bad cold, so a cough that will not go away can be ignored.”What is true?
Fact
A cough that lasts more than three weeks should be checked. It may be long-term bronchitis, which is a form of COPD, or it may have another cause such as asthma, acid reflux or pneumonia. A doctor can find out which.
Myth“Cold drinks, ice cream or curd cause bronchitis.”What is true?
Fact
Bronchitis is usually caused by an infection, most often a virus that spreads when people cough and sneeze. Washing hands and covering the mouth when coughing help to stop it spreading.
Myth“Only smokers get long-term bronchitis.”What is true?
Fact
Smoking is the biggest cause, but it is not the only one. Secondhand smoke, air pollution, and fumes or dust at work can also irritate the airways for years and lead to chronic bronchitis. A family history of COPD adds to the risk.
Questions to ask your doctor
Tick the ones you want answered and take them with you.
Common questions
How long does bronchitis last?
Short-term bronchitis usually clears up in about three weeks. A cough that lasts longer than that should be checked by a doctor, in case there is another cause. Chronic bronchitis is different: the cough returns for months at a time over several years.
Is bronchitis contagious?
The short-term kind usually comes from an infection that spreads through coughs and sneezes, so it can pass to other people. Washing hands, covering coughs and staying at home while you have a fever help. Chronic bronchitis comes from long-term irritation, such as smoking, and does not spread from person to person.
Is bronchitis the same as pneumonia?
No. Bronchitis is swelling of the airways, while pneumonia is an infection of the lung itself. Pneumonia tends to cause a higher fever, faster breathing and a faster heartbeat, and it needs prompt medical care.
Is chronic bronchitis the same as COPD?
Chronic bronchitis is one form of COPD. Many people with COPD have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema, to different degrees. Stopping smoking is the most useful step at any stage.