HealthUnlockedHealthUnlocked
AboutLog in

Experiences with

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed.

The main airways branch off on either side of your windpipe (trachea).

They lead to smaller and smaller airways inside your lungs called bronchioles.

The walls of the main airways produce mucus to trap dust and other particles that could otherwise cause irritation.

Most cases of bronchitis happen when an infection irritates and inflames the airways, causing them to produce more mucus than usual.

Your body tries to shift this extra mucus through coughing.

Bronchitis can be described as being either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is temporary inflammation of the airways that causes a cough and mucus. It lasts up to 3 weeks.

It can affect people of all ages, but mostly happens in children under the age of 5.

It's more common in winter and often comes on after a common cold, sore throat or the flu.

Chronic bronchitis is a daily productive cough that lasts for 3 months of the year and for at least 2 years in a row.

It's 1 of a number of lung conditions, including emphysema, that are collectively known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It mostly affects adults over the age of 40.

It's important that you stop smoking if you have bronchitis.

Cigarette smoke and the chemicals in cigarettes make bronchitis worse and increase your risk of developing chronic bronchitis and COPD.

A GP can help you give up smoking.

You can also call the NHS Smokefree helpline for advice on 0300 123 1044, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Coronavirus advice

If you have bronchitis and you're worried about coronavirus, you can get advice about coronavirus and bronchitis from the British Lung Foundation.

Symptoms of bronchitis

The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a hacking cough, which may bring up clear, yellow-grey or greenish mucus (phlegm).

Other symptoms are similar to those of the common cold or sinusitis, and may include:

  • a sore throat
  • a headache
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • aches and pains
  • tiredness

If you have acute bronchitis, your cough may last for several weeks after other symptoms have gone.

You may also find that the continual coughing makes your chest and stomach muscles sore.

Some people may have shortness of breath or wheezing as a result of inflamed airways.

But this is more common with long-term (chronic) bronchitis.

When to see a GP

Most cases of acute bronchitis can be easily treated at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and plenty of fluids.

You only need to see a GP if your symptoms are severe or unusual.

For example, see a GP if:

  • your cough is severe or lasts longer than 3 weeks
  • you have a high temperature for more than 3 days – this may be a sign of flu or a more serious condition, such as pneumonia
  • you cough up mucus streaked with blood
  • you have an underlying heart or lung condition, such as asthma, heart failure or emphysema
  • you're becoming more breathless
  • you have had repeated episodes of bronchitis

A GP may need to rule out other lung infections, such as pneumonia, which has symptoms similar to those of bronchitis.

If they think you may have pneumonia, you'll probably need a chest X-ray and a sample of mucus may be taken for testing.

If a GP thinks you might have an underlying condition, they may also suggest that you have a lung function test.

You'll be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures the volume of air in your lungs.

Decreased lung capacity can indicate an underlying health problem.

Causes of bronchitis

Viral and bacterial infections

Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Less often, it's caused by a bacteria.

In most cases, bronchitis is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu.

The virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.

These droplets typically spread about 1m. They hang suspended in the air for a while, then land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours.

Anyone who touches these surfaces can spread the virus further by touching something else.

Find out more about how cold and flu germs spread

Breathing in irritant substances

Bronchitis can also be triggered by breathing in irritant substances, such as smog, chemicals in household products or tobacco smoke.

Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis. It can affect people who inhale secondhand smoke, as well as those who smoke themselves.

People with chronic bronchitis often develop another smoking-related lung disease called emphysema, where the air sacs inside the lungs become damaged, causing shortness of breath.

If you smoke, try to stop straight away as smoking aggravates bronchitis and increases your risk of developing emphysema. 

Stopping smoking while you have bronchitis can also be the perfect opportunity to quit altogether.

Find out more about stop smoking treatments

Occupational exposure

You may also be at risk of chronic bronchitis and other types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) if you're often exposed to materials that can damage your lungs, such as:

  • grain dust
  • textiles (fabric fibres)
  • ammonia
  • strong acids
  • chlorine

This is sometimes known as occupational bronchitis. It usually eases once you're no longer exposed to the irritant substance.

Find out more about the causes of COPD

Treating bronchitis

In most cases, acute bronchitis clears up by itself within a few weeks without the need for treatment.

In the meantime, you should drink lots of fluid and get plenty of rest.

In some cases, the symptoms of bronchitis can last much longer. If symptoms last for at least 3 months, it's known as chronic bronchitis.

There's no cure for chronic bronchitis, but some lifestyle changes can help ease your symptoms, such as:

  • eating a healthy diet
  • regular moderate exercise 
  • avoiding smoking 

There are several medicines to relieve symptoms.

Medicines called bronchodilators and steroids "open up" the airways and can be prescribed as an inhaler or as tablets.

Mucolytic medicines thin the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up.

Managing symptoms at home

If you have acute bronchitis:

  • get plenty of rest
  • drink lots of fluid – this helps prevent dehydration and thins the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to cough up
  • treat headaches, a high temperature, and aches and pains with paracetamol or ibuprofen – although ibuprofen is not recommended if you have asthma

Beware of cough medicines

There's little evidence that cough medicines work.

Find out more about treating coughs

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended that over-the-counter cough medicines should not be given to children under the age of 6.

Children aged 6 to 12 should only use them on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

As an alternative to an over-the-counter cough medicine, try making your own mixture of honey and lemon, which can help soothe a sore throat and ease your cough.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for bronchitis because it's normally caused by a virus.

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, and prescribing them when they're unnecessary can, over time, make bacteria more resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Find out more about antibiotic resistance

A GP will only prescribe antibiotics if you have an increased risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia.

Antibiotics may also be recommended for:

  • premature babies
  • elderly people over the age of 80
  • people with a history of heart, lung, kidney or liver disease
  • people with a weakened immune system, which could be the result of an underlying condition or a side effect of a treatment like steroids
  • people with cystic fibrosis

If you're prescribed antibiotics for bronchitis, it's likely to be a 5-day course of amoxicillin or doxycycline.

Side effects of these drugs are uncommon, but include feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea.

Complications of bronchitis

Pneumonia is the most common complication of bronchitis.

It happens when the infection spreads further into the lungs, causing the tiny air sacs inside the lungs to fill up with fluid.

About 1 in 20 cases of bronchitis lead to pneumonia.

People at an increased risk of developing pneumonia include:

  • elderly people
  • people who smoke
  • people with other health conditions, such as heart, liver or kidney disease
  • people with a weakened immune system

Mild pneumonia can usually be treated with antibiotics at home. More severe cases may require admission to hospital.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

  • Posts

  • Communities

1,037 public posts

Bronchitis

All right I think I got bronchitis I’ve been coughing up stuff like crazy I do is cough all night all day are you guys It’s hard to get rest I have to cough medicine Mucinex everything to get the stuff up I took a breathing treatment to get the stuff up out of my lungs whatever it is I just want to
All right I think I got bronchitis I’ve been coughing up stuff like crazy I do is cough all night all day are you guys It’s hard to get rest I have to cough medicine Mucinex everything to get the stuff up I took a breathing treatment to get the stuff up out of my lungs whatever it is I just want to
Chrissity
in Living with Asthma

COPD/Bronchitis. Are they linked.

I keep getting recurring chest infections and most days feel ill. My gp says it is my COPD but I'm wondering why I keep getting these chest infections constantly and feel so unwell. Any advice please?
I keep getting recurring chest infections and most days feel ill. My gp says it is my COPD but I'm wondering why I keep getting these chest infections constantly and feel so unwell. Any advice please?
Pollyposh1
in COPD Friends

Sarcoidosis or Asthma?

Has anyone else had symptoms which are very much like bronchitis, asthma or other lung problems and had to seriously consider that it is sarcoidosis?
Has anyone else had symptoms which are very much like bronchitis, asthma or other lung problems and had to seriously consider that it is sarcoidosis?
wiserlady
in Living with Asthma
Want to take advantage of all our features? Just log in!
or

Getting fit again after bronchitis

I've managed me asthma well until recently when I had bronchitis after having flu. Its knocked me for six and im still having occasional problems with my breathing. Before this I was doing really well with my fitness cycling to work also doing jogging, swimming and yoga.
I've managed me asthma well until recently when I had bronchitis after having flu. Its knocked me for six and im still having occasional problems with my breathing. Before this I was doing really well with my fitness cycling to work also doing jogging, swimming and yoga.
Stepha
in Asthma UK community forum

Cough while on Imbruvica?

He has had a cough (something like chronic bronchitis) for at least two years. In the mornings, esp. he coughs and coughs and coughs up mucus that he needs to spit out. Has anyone experienced this while on Imbruvica, or is it just the CLL??
He has had a cough (something like chronic bronchitis) for at least two years. In the mornings, esp. he coughs and coughs and coughs up mucus that he needs to spit out. Has anyone experienced this while on Imbruvica, or is it just the CLL??
Gustac
in CLL Support

Asthmatic and Recurrent Bronchitis

I've now been diagnosed with recurrent bronchitis but I don't really know what this means. I've looked on NHS and read about it but the doctor never really discussed it with me, it just appeared on my letter they send out following a consultation. Anyone else had a similar experience?
I've now been diagnosed with recurrent bronchitis but I don't really know what this means. I've looked on NHS and read about it but the doctor never really discussed it with me, it just appeared on my letter they send out following a consultation. Anyone else had a similar experience?
Cristina1992
in Asthma UK community forum

A-fib and Covid.

A recent visit with my electrophysiologist revealed my lungs sound as if I'm a smoker (I'm not) or I have bronchitis, due to the effects of Covid. My visit was to find out why my a-fib episodes have ramped up recently.
A recent visit with my electrophysiologist revealed my lungs sound as if I'm a smoker (I'm not) or I have bronchitis, due to the effects of Covid. My visit was to find out why my a-fib episodes have ramped up recently.
Snowgirl65
in AF Association

Morning phlegm and chest pain in young adults. How common is this?

I have all the symptomps of chronic bronchitis however my spirometry was normal / almost normal. Unfortunately I was exposed to several irritants for years in my life. I'm not even 30 and just hope to live a long life. My current therapy is low dose ICS+LABA+NAC.
I have all the symptomps of chronic bronchitis however my spirometry was normal / almost normal. Unfortunately I was exposed to several irritants for years in my life. I'm not even 30 and just hope to live a long life. My current therapy is low dose ICS+LABA+NAC.
17dsperanza92
in British Lung Foundation

Coughing up blood in phlegm

This resulted in 6 lots of antibiotics, chest xray, CT scans etc and I was told I had recurrent bronchitis. Has anyone else experienced coughing up blood streaked phlegm? It's started again recently and I'm concerned it maybe the start of another chest infection... thank you 😊
This resulted in 6 lots of antibiotics, chest xray, CT scans etc and I was told I had recurrent bronchitis. Has anyone else experienced coughing up blood streaked phlegm? It's started again recently and I'm concerned it maybe the start of another chest infection... thank you 😊
Cristina1992
in Asthma UK community forum

Salt pipe

Hi have mild COPD .All my my life I've had bronchitis coughing up gunk I stopped smoking about 40 years ago.Iwas browsing the internet a week ago and came upon a Himalayan salt article,so I read it, it describes a salt inhalation device called a pipe wanting to try one straight away so I made one myself
Hi have mild COPD .All my my life I've had bronchitis coughing up gunk I stopped smoking about 40 years ago.Iwas browsing the internet a week ago and came upon a Himalayan salt article,so I read it, it describes a salt inhalation device called a pipe wanting to try one straight away so I made one myself
jovik
in COPD Friends

COPD

Everytime he uses it, you can hear his start to wheeze, it's like it's giving him bronchitis. I never hear him wheeze, until he uses this nebulizer. Is this normal?
Everytime he uses it, you can hear his start to wheeze, it's like it's giving him bronchitis. I never hear him wheeze, until he uses this nebulizer. Is this normal?
Curco
in British Lung Foundation

Asthma or bronchiectasis???

Bronchitis- prednison events 3 times a year. Last winter I was put on nebuliser (corticosteroids plus extra saline) treatment, and that really helps. After much delay earlier this year I finally got in the CT scanner and now it turns out I have bronchiectasis as well.
Bronchitis- prednison events 3 times a year. Last winter I was put on nebuliser (corticosteroids plus extra saline) treatment, and that really helps. After much delay earlier this year I finally got in the CT scanner and now it turns out I have bronchiectasis as well.
Cookiemonsterr
in British Lung Foundation

Dog: depend on God

3 new meds from doc: bronchitis, asthma, bladder infection again - so tired of it all I blew my healthy eating and stopped and got a Oreo blizzard. All the crepe myrtles were in full bloom the 20 mile trip. Just want to sleep. I may just shut down for a week.
3 new meds from doc: bronchitis, asthma, bladder infection again - so tired of it all I blew my healthy eating and stopped and got a Oreo blizzard. All the crepe myrtles were in full bloom the 20 mile trip. Just want to sleep. I may just shut down for a week.
agapepilgrim
in My MSAA Community

Ongoing infections and asthma

I have had bronchitis/chest infection/sinus infection on and off since November which has caused my asthma to flare up. I improve for a couple weeks and then become unwell again. I've had 3 courses of steroids since November, doxycycline twice, azithromycin once and now on amoxicillin.
I have had bronchitis/chest infection/sinus infection on and off since November which has caused my asthma to flare up. I improve for a couple weeks and then become unwell again. I've had 3 courses of steroids since November, doxycycline twice, azithromycin once and now on amoxicillin.
4127
in Asthma UK community forum

Pain in back, between shoulder blades...

I usually get a bronchitis this time of year, but so far it hasn’t developed. Maybe the pain is related to that? I am not sure.
I usually get a bronchitis this time of year, but so far it hasn’t developed. Maybe the pain is related to that? I am not sure.
Willow7733
in Living with Asthma

Sorry

My hubs is the one dealing with this, liver disease, COPD, bronchitis etc.... sorry for my wasteful post x
My hubs is the one dealing with this, liver disease, COPD, bronchitis etc.... sorry for my wasteful post x
Catmeow
in British Liver Trust

Anyone had the vaccine?

Has anyone had the COVID vaccine because of their diabetes, I’m 25 and a carer for my grandparents because my grandad has dementia and my Nan has bronchitis and is on the clinically high risk, because neither can drive I’ve been doing shopping and everything. I haven’t heard anything about.
Has anyone had the COVID vaccine because of their diabetes, I’m 25 and a carer for my grandparents because my grandad has dementia and my Nan has bronchitis and is on the clinically high risk, because neither can drive I’ve been doing shopping and everything. I haven’t heard anything about.
GemGem95
in Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation

It’s that time

She has just had her first bronchitis infection, is on antibodics and improving. The nursing home has questioned me today on what is next. Mum is really starting to struggle with her swallowing. I am spending a lot of time helping her to lean forward and rubbing her back to help her cough up gunk.
She has just had her first bronchitis infection, is on antibodics and improving. The nursing home has questioned me today on what is next. Mum is really starting to struggle with her swallowing. I am spending a lot of time helping her to lean forward and rubbing her back to help her cough up gunk.
Goroos
in PSP Association

Flares of COPD /chronic bronchitis

Hi , last year a CAT scan showed chronic bronchitis - signs of COPD. It made sense - getting shortness of breath/ used to smoke. But over the last 4 or 5 years I have regular bouts of extreme fatigue, inflammation and painful eyes ears throat, neck muscles and fever . Is this normal with COPD?
Hi , last year a CAT scan showed chronic bronchitis - signs of COPD. It made sense - getting shortness of breath/ used to smoke. But over the last 4 or 5 years I have regular bouts of extreme fatigue, inflammation and painful eyes ears throat, neck muscles and fever . Is this normal with COPD?
Thinkhealthy
in British Lung Foundation

Finding out

Hi Dec I had bronchitis now they say I may have asthma, tightness in chest,breathlessness really uncomfortable to walk or sleep just wish they could test me I've waited a long time xx
Hi Dec I had bronchitis now they say I may have asthma, tightness in chest,breathlessness really uncomfortable to walk or sleep just wish they could test me I've waited a long time xx
Tweetiepie22
in Asthma UK community forum
  • 1
  • 2
  • ...
  • 52
  • Next page
  • 10
  • 20
  • 30
  • 40
  • 50
Filter results
Posted in
Sort by
HealthUnlocked
© 2021 All rights reserved.
App store
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Average rating: 4.8

Company

About Us

Our Team

Partner with us

Careers

Blog

Product

Health terms A to Z

Communities A to Z

iPhone app

Start a Community

Support

Help Centre

Community Guidelines

Contact us

Cookies settings

App store
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Average rating: 4.8
TermsPrivacySecurityCookies