Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Bronchitis causes your airways (bronchi) to become irritated and inflamed, producing more mucus and a cough.

Bronchitis causes your airways (bronchi) to become irritated and inflamed, producing more mucus and a cough.
beginning of content

Bronchitis

5-minute read

What is bronchitis?

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

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, such as cold viruses or influenza virus.

Chronic bronchitis is usually related to smoking.

Most people with acute bronchitis will feel better with time and rest. There are some treatments available that may help to help ease your cough and other symptoms.

If you think you have bronchitis, your doctor can assess you and discuss treatment.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Someone with bronchitis will have a cough (either dry or bringing up phlegm). The cough may last for 2 to 3 weeks in people with acute bronchitis.

Other symptoms of bronchitis may include:

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes bronchitis?

Mostly, bronchitis is caused by viruses. These can be spread through the air when someone coughs.

You can also catch viruses if you touch a surface with virus on it (for example, a doorknob) and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Sometimes bronchitis may be caused by a bacterial infection.

What can increase your risk of getting bronchitis?

People at higher risk of acute bronchitis include:

  • older people
  • young children
  • those breathing in irritating chemicals
  • smokers
  • those with a lung condition, such as asthma
  • those with poor immunity
  • those who haven’t been vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal disease or whooping cough

When should I see my doctor?

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

If you are very unwell or not getting better, or if you get worse, see your doctor. See your doctor if your cough lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is bronchitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They will listen to your chest with a stethoscope to check your breathing sounds.

Your doctor may recommend tests, such as a nose and throat swab to find out the cause of your infection.

A chest x-ray is usually not necessary.

How is bronchitis treated?

Bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help. Antibiotics do not kill viruses.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed a guide which can be used with your doctor to help you decide whether to use antibiotics when you or your child has acute bronchitis.

You can help ease your cough and other symptoms with some self-care measures.

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Take simple pain relief medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow the directions on the label).
  • 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.

Cough medicines are available, but they might or might not help you.

Can bronchitis be prevented?

To reduce the spread of viruses that can cause bronchitis, you should:

If you smoke, cut down or quit to reduce your risk of bronchitis.

What are the complications of bronchitis?

Getting vaccinated against influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 can reduce your risk of having severe illness or complications with these infections.

Pneumonia is a possible complication of bronchitis.

Resources and support

If you need to know more about bronchitis, or to get advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2022


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Bronchitis - MyDr.com.au

Bronchitis is a term that means inflammation of the bronchi (air passages) in the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic, and results in a cough that is productive of phlegm, or sputum.

Read more on myDr website

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is the sudden onset of inflammation in the major airways (bronchial tubes) of the lungs.

Read more on Lung Foundation Australia website

Acute bronchitis fact sheet - Lung Foundation Australia

The Acute Bronchitis factsheet provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Read more on Lung Foundation Australia website

Bronchitis in babies, children & teens | Raising Children Network

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large airway passages that go to the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, and also a runny nose, wheezing and fever.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

What causes bronchitis - Choosing wisely

Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, including the common cold and flu, but bacteria can sometimes cause it.

Read more on Choosing Wisely Australia website

Acute bronchitis: should I take antibiotics? | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Acute bronchitis: should I take antibiotics? Downloads Acute bronchitis: should I take antibiotics? For more information Decision support tools for specific conditions Publication year 2023 Resource type Guide, user guide or guidelines Topics Antimicrobial resistance, use and stewardship

Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for the lung diseases emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.

Read more on WA Health website

Chest infections - Better Health Channel

A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia).

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Emphysema - Better Health Channel

Emphysema is generally caused by cigarette smoking or long-term exposure to certain industrial pollutants or dusts.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Emphysema - MyDr.com.au

In people with emphysema, the walls of the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) become gradually damaged, causing breathing difficulties. Smoking is the main cause of this condition.

Read more on myDr website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.