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Overview
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs that is usually caused by an infection. It often gets better without treatment in around 3 weeks.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bronchitis can be similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms include:
- a cough – you may cough up clear, white, yellow or green mucus
- chest pain when coughing
- shortness of breath
- a sore throat
- a runny nose
- a high temperature
Causes
Bronchitis is often caused by infections that can be easily spread through coughing and sneezing.
Treatment Options
Bronchitis usually clears up without treatment in around 3 weeks. See a GP if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks.
You may need antibiotics if your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Prevention Tips
There are some things you can do to ease the symptoms of bronchitis and reduce the risk of spreading infections to other people:
- get plenty of rest – try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
- drink plenty of fluids
- take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain and bring down a high temperature
- try adding honey to a warm drink to help soothe your throat (do not give honey to babies under 1)
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – put used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible
- wash your hands regularly with water and soap
- do not smoke
When To See A Doctor
Bronchitis usually clears up without treatment in around 3 weeks. See a GP if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks.
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