Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the lower airways in your lungs. The inflammation causes you to cough.

Acute (short-term) bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and goes away by itself, without the need for medicines. 

This article focuses on acute bronchitis. Read more on chronic conditions that affect the lungs, bronchiectasis and COPD.

Bronchitis usually causes a cough (either dry or bringing up phlegm). In people with acute bronchitis, the cough may last for 3 to 4 weeks. For some people, it may take up to 8 weeks for the cough to go away.

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

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, such as cold or influenza viruses. You can catch a virus: 

• through the air when someone coughs
• if you touch a surface with a virus on it (for example, a doorknob) and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth

Sometimes, bronchitis may be caused by a bacterial infection.

People at higher risk of acute bronchitis include:

• older people
• people who smoke
• people with a lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• people with low immunity
• people who have not been vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal disease or whooping cough

Most people with acute bronchitis will feel better with time and rest.

You should see your doctor if:

• you are very unwell
• you suddenly feel much worse
• you develop new symptoms
• your cough lasts for longer than 3 weeks

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and carry out 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.

You usually do not need medical tests, unless your doctor thinks 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.

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus. Viral infections are different from bacterial infections. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, so they are not helpful for acute bronchitis. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause harm. 

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed a guide to use with your doctor to help decide if antibiotics are right for you or your child with acute bronchitis.

Read more on the difference between bacterial and viral infections.

Self-care at home

You can help ease your cough and other symptoms with these self-care measures:

• Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
• 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.

Medicines for acute bronchitis

You may choose to try some simple pain relief medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow the directions on the label).

You can also try sore throat lozenges or sprays to help with pain and cough symptoms.

Acute bronchitis is usually mild and gets better on its own. Complications are not common, but can include:

• a cough that lasts for several weeks (sometimes up to 8 weeks) 
• a bacterial infection developing after the initial illness (such as pneumonia) 
• worsening of an existing lung condition (such as asthma or COPD)

Vaccination against influenza (the flu) can reduce your risk of severe illness or complications, especially if you have a health condition that means you have low immunity.

There are some things you can do 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.

For more information about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis, see the Lung Foundation Australia website.

Languages other than English

The Australian Government has posters available on hand hygiene (Opens in new tab) in many community languages. 

If you need an interpreter, ask your doctor or call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) (Opens in new tab) on 131 450.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate (Opens in new tab) near you.

Watch the No Germs on Me video on hand washing (Opens in new tab).

Get tips on quitting smoking by calling Quitline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities (Opens in new tab) — call 13 7848.