Inflammation of bronchial tubes. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Bronchitis
Inflammation of bronchial tubes
Bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), often developing from a cold or respiratory infection.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may review cough, breathlessness, wheeze, fever, triggers, smoking or exposures, medicines and infection risk. Examination and tests such as oxygen saturation, imaging, lung function or sputum testing may be considered.
Care can range from self-care and monitoring to inhaler review, antibiotics for a confirmed indication, allergy control, rehabilitation or specialist assessment. Ask how to use medicines and what improvement should occur.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, blue lips or face, confusion, chest pain, coughing blood, low oxygen saturation if measured, inability to speak in sentences or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Symptoms
- Persistent cough
- Mucus production
- Fatigue
- Slight fever
- Chest discomfort
Possible causes
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Smoking
- Air pollution
- Dust
Care and treatment options
- Rest and fluids
- Cough suppressants
- Bronchodilators
- Antibiotics (if bacterial)
- Avoid irritants
Key points
- Acute bronchitis is very common
- Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD
- Most cases resolve on their own
- Smoking is major risk factor
Preparing for a consultation
- When breathing or cough symptoms started and their pattern.
- Triggers such as dust, smoke, allergies or infection.
- Inhalers, medicines and how they are used.
- Temperature, oxygen readings or recent test results if available.
Questions worth asking
- Is Bronchitis the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Bronchitis?
Inflammation of bronchial tubes This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Bronchitis?
A clinician may review cough, breathlessness, wheeze, fever, triggers, smoking or exposures, medicines and infection risk. Examination and tests such as oxygen saturation, imaging, lung function or sputum testing may be considered.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Rest and fluids, Cough suppressants, Bronchodilators, Antibiotics (if bacterial). Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Bronchitis be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, blue lips or face, confusion, chest pain, coughing blood, low oxygen saturation if measured, inability to speak in sentences or rapidly worsening symptoms.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
When breathing or cough symptoms started and their pattern. Triggers such as dust, smoke, allergies or infection. Inhalers, medicines and how they are used. Temperature, oxygen readings or recent test results if available. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Bronchitis can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.