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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.
Some people have long-term inflammation of the airways in the lungs called chronic bronchitis. This is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Symptoms of bronchitis can be similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms include:
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
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.
