Bronchitis: Symptoms and treatments

If your cold or flu is long gone but you have a nasty cough and wheeze that’s hanging around, it might be bronchitis.

Bronchitis is a type of chest infection where the tubes that carry air to your lungs get inflamed, usually after a cold or flu, causing a persistent cough, mucus, and sometimes trouble breathing.

Bupa GP Dr Janice Tan says bronchitis is quite common, especially during cold and flu season.

“It often starts with a viral infection, like a cold, and can affect people of all ages, though it’s more common in smokers and those with chronic lung conditions,” she says.

There are 2 types of bronchitis:

• acute bronchitis, which usually develops from a cold or other respiratory infection
• chronic bronchitis, which is a constant inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes and is usually caused by smoking.

The first symptoms of bronchitis are similar to a cold or the flu. However, the main symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough. This often starts as a dry cough, then eventually produces mucus. This cough can last up to 3 weeks.

"If you're feeling unwell or feeling worse or if the cough persists longer than 3 weeks, then you should see your GP for a review," says Dr Tan.

Other symptoms may include:

• headache
• sore throat
• fever
• fatigue
• chest discomfort
• shortness of breath or wheezing.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.

Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. It can be spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. Sometimes, bronchitis can be caused by a bacterial infection.

To reduce your risk of catching bronchitis or passing it on, you should:

• wash your hands with soap after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, and put tissues in the rubbish bin straight away
• cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• stop smoking and avoid being around people who smoke
• stay at home if you feel unwell.

"Your doctor may ask you about when or how your illness started, how you've been going and whether you have any contributing risk factors that could lead to severe disease, such as past medical history and smoking history," says Dr Tan.

If you think you may have bronchitis or another type of chest infection, you should see your GP.

They will usually listen to your chest and ask about any other symptoms you may have. Your GP may also:

• take a swab of your nose or throat
• do a blood test
• suggest you have a chest X-ray.

If you have a cough for longer than 3 weeks, always see your doctor.

"For most healthy people, bronchitis is not dangerous and often clears up on its own within a few weeks," says Dr Tan.

Pneumonia can be a possible complication of bronchitis. So, it's important to monitor symptoms and see a doctor if you're getting worse or not improving.

Repeated bouts of bronchitis could mean you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),¹ so always see your doctor if you believe you have a chest infection.

Some factors can increase your risk of catching bronchitis. These include:

• cigarette smoke. People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at higher risk of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis²
• low resistance. If you have another illness or a compromised immune system, you may be more at risk of catching bronchitis
• exposure to irritants. Chemical fumes and lung irritants such as smoke can increase the risk of bronchitis
• gastric reflux. Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate your throat. This can make you more prone to developing bronchitis.³

There isn't a vaccine against bronchitis. However, getting vaccinated against other illness can reduce your risk of chest infections.

It's recommended that everyone over 6 months old gets the annual flu shot. Your GP may also suggest the pneumococcal and/or whooping cough vaccine, especially if you're in a higher-risk group.

Depending on your age and risk factors, a COVID-19 booster vaccine may also be recommended.

Most acute bronchitis is caused by a virus. Antibiotics won't help as they don't work against viruses.

There are some simple ways you can help treat bronchitis at home:

• Drink plenty of fluids. This can thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and get rid of. It also helps to keep the body hydrated and aid your recovery from bronchitis
• Use a humidifier or hold your head over a bowl of steaming water. Warm steam can help open up your nasal passages and chest, making it easier to breathe.
• Take pain relief. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol may help reduce chest discomfort or any fever from bronchitis.
• Use expectorants. These can help clear any mucus from your air passages. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a good over-the-counter option.
• A teaspoon of honey. Honey is a time-honoured home remedy to help suppress a cough. Honey is considered a better option than over-the-counter cough and cold medications for children older than 12 months old.⁴ Do not give honey to babies under 12 months old, because of a risk of botulism.

Avoid smoking or being around those who smoke as it can further inflame the bronchial tubes.

"Bronchitis can be pretty unpleasant, but it's often manageable with rest and home remedies under the guidance of your GP if needed," says Dr Tan. "If you're not getting better, it's important to check back in with your GP as soon as possible."

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The Department of Health and Aged Care offers advice on available vaccines and eligibility for free vaccination programs.