Bronchitis
Key facts
- Bronchitis is inflammation of the large airways in your lungs — this can be acute or chronic.
- Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and goes away by itself.
- Chronic bronchitis is a long-term lung disease usually related to smoking.
- Someone with acute bronchitis will have a cough that may last for 2 to 3 weeks.
- As acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, antibiotics won't help to treat it.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is inflammation of the large airways in your lungs. The inflammation causes you to cough.
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and goes away by itself. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term lung condition that is usually related to smoking.
What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
Someone with bronchitis will have a cough (either dry or bringing up phlegm). The cough may last for 2 to 3 weeks in people with acute bronchitis.
Other symptoms of bronchitis may include:
- wheezing or feeling short of breath
- chest discomfort or pain (due to frequent coughing)
- a blocked or runny nose
- headache
- fever
- aches and pains
- feeling tired
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What causes acute bronchitis?
Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, such as cold viruses or influenza virus. These can be spread through the air when someone coughs.
You can also catch viruses if you touch a surface with virus on it (for example, a doorknob) and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Sometimes bronchitis may be caused by a bacterial infection.
What can increase your risk of getting bronchitis?
People at higher risk of acute bronchitis include:
- older people or young children those breathing in irritating chemicals
- people that smoke
- people with a lung condition, such as asthma
- people with poor immunity
- people who haven’t been vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal disease or whooping cough
When should I see my doctor?
Most people with acute bronchitis will feel better with time and rest.
If you are very unwell or not getting better, or if you get worse, see your doctor. See your doctor if your cough lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks, to check for complications.
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How is bronchitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They will listen to your chest with a stethoscope to check your breathing sounds. They may put a device on your fingertip to check the oxygen level in your blood.
Tests are usually not necessary, unless your doctor is concerned you might have a different infection. For example, they may ask you to have a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia, or a nose swab to check for whooping cough.
How is acute bronchitis treated?
Bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed a guide which can be used with your doctor to help you decide whether to use antibiotics when you or your child has acute bronchitis.
You can help ease your cough and other symptoms with these self-care measures:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take simple pain relief medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow the directions on the label).
- Take a teaspoon of honey at night, either by itself or in warm water. This can help relieve a cough. Do NOT give honey to children under 12 months of age.
- Avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants.
Cough medicines are available, but they might or might not help you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are considering using them.
Can bronchitis be prevented?
To reduce the spread of viruses that can cause bronchitis, you should:
- wash your hands regularly
- cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- stay home while unwell
If you smoke, cut down or quit to reduce your risk of bronchitis.
What are the complications of bronchitis?
Pneumonia is a possible complication of bronchitis.
Sometimes it can take a long time for bronchitis symptoms to go away. Your cough could last up to 8 weeks.
Getting vaccinated against influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 can reduce your risk of having severe illness or complications with these infections.
Resources and support
For more information about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis see the Lung Foundation Australia website.
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.
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Last reviewed: June 2024
