Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed. Show
The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus (phlegm). Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat and wheezing. Read more about the symptoms of bronchitis. When to see your GPMost cases of bronchitis can be treated easily at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and plenty of fluids. You only need to see your GP if your symptoms are severe or unusual – for example, if:
Your GP may need to rule out other lung infections, such as pneumonia, which has symptoms similar to those of bronchitis. If your GP thinks you may have pneumonia, you will probably need a chest X-ray, and a sample of mucus may be taken for testing. If your GP thinks you might have an undiagnosed underlying condition, they may also suggest a pulmonary function test. You will 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. Treating bronchitisIn most cases, bronchitis will clear up by itself within a few weeks without the need for treatment. This type of bronchitis is known as "acute bronchitis". While you are waiting for it to pass, 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 three months, it is known as "chronic bronchitis". There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are several medications to help relieve symptoms. It is also important to avoid smoking and smoky environments, as this can make your symptoms worse. Read more about treating bronchitis. Why do I have bronchitis?The bronchi are the main airways in your lungs, which branch off on either side of your windpipe (trachea). They lead to smaller and smaller airways inside your lungs, known as bronchioles. The walls of the bronchi produce mucus to trap dust and other particles that could otherwise cause irritation. Most cases of acute bronchitis develop when an infection causes the bronchi to become irritated and inflamed, which causes them to produce more mucus than usual. Your body tries to shift this extra mucus through coughing. Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis. Over time, tobacco smoke can cause permanent damage to the bronchi, causing them to become inflamed. Read more about the causes of bronchitis. ComplicationsPneumonia is the most common complication of bronchitis. It happens when the infection spreads further into the lungs, causing air sacs inside the lungs to fill up with fluid. 1 in 20 cases of bronchitis leads to pneumonia. People at an increased risk of developing pneumonia include:
Mild pneumonia can usually be treated with antibiotics at home. More severe cases may require admission to hospital. Read more about the treatment of pneumonia. Who is affectedAcute bronchitis is one of the most common types of lung infection, and is one of the top five reasons for GP visits. Acute bronchitis can affect people of all ages, but is most common in younger children under the age of five. It is more common in winter, and often develops following a cold, sore throat or flu. It is estimated that there are around 2 million people in the UK affected by chronic bronchitis. Most of these are adults over the age of 50. Chest infections are common, especially after a cold or flu during autumn and winter. Although most are mild and get better on their own, some can be serious or even life-threatening. This page covers: Signs and symptoms of a chest infection What causes chest infections? Caring for your symptoms at home When to see a doctor Preventing chest infections Signs and symptoms of a chest infectionThe main symptoms of a chest infection can include:
You may also experience more general symptoms of an infection, such as a headache, fatigue, sweating, loss of appetite, or joint and muscle pain. What causes chest infections?A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or airways. The main types of chest infection are bronchitis and pneumonia. Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses, whereas most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria. These infections are usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This launches tiny droplets of fluid containing the virus or bacteria into the air, where they can be breathed in by others. The infections can also be spread to others if you cough or sneeze onto your hand, an object or a surface, and someone else shakes your hand or touches those surfaces before touching their mouth or nose. Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing serious chest infections, such as:
Read more about the causes of bronchitis and the causes of pneumonia Caring for your symptoms at homeMany chest infections aren't serious and get better within a few days or weeks. You won't usually need to see your GP, unless your symptoms suggest you have a more serious infection (see below). While you recover at home, you can improve your symptoms by:
Avoid cough medicines, as there's little evidence they work, and coughing actually helps you clear the infection more quickly by getting rid of the phlegm from your lungs. Antibiotics aren't recommended for many chest infections, because they only work if the infection is caused by bacteria, rather than a virus. Your GP will usually only prescribe antibiotics if they think you have pneumonia, or you're at risk of complications such as fluid building up around the lungs (pleurisy). If there's a flu outbreak in your local area and you're at risk of serious infection, your GP may also prescribe antiviral medication. Read more about treating bronchitis and treating pneumonia When to see a doctorYou should see your GP if:
Your GP should be able to diagnose you based on your symptoms and by listening to your chest using a stethoscope (a medical instrument used to listen to the heart and lungs). In some cases, further tests – such as a chest X-ray, breathing tests and testing phlegm or blood samples – may be necessary. Preventing chest infectionsThere are measures you can take to help reduce your risk of developing chest infections and stop them spreading to others. Stop smokingIf you smoke, one of the best things you can do to prevent a chest infection is to stop. Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your defences against infection. Read more information and advice about stopping smoking Good hygieneAlthough chest infections generally aren't as contagious as other common infections, like flu, you can pass them on to others through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, it's important to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and to wash your hands regularly. Put tissues in the bin immediately. Alcohol and dietExcessive and prolonged alcohol misuse can weaken your lungs' natural defences against infections and make you more vulnerable to chest infections. To keep your risk of alcohol-related harm low, the NHS recommends:
Regular or frequent drinking means drinking alcohol most weeks. The risk to your health is increased by drinking any amount of alcohol on a regular basis. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help strengthen the immune system, making you less vulnerable to developing chest infections. Read more about healthy eating and tips on cutting down on alcohol VaccinationsIf you're at an increased risk of chest infections, your GP may recommend being vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal infections (a bacterium that can cause pneumonia). These vaccinations should help to reduce your chances of getting chest infections in the future. Flu and pneumococcal vaccinations are usually recommended for:
Does coughing up mucus mean your getting better?However, if you have other respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia with COVID-19, you may have a wet cough that contains mucus. Does coughing up mucus mean you're getting better? In most cases, coughing up mucus means your body is working to fight off an infection, and it is in the healing stages.
Does yellow mucus mean infection is getting better?Green or Yellow Mucus
It's no reason for concern, and in fact, it means your body is working extra hard to fight off infection. White blood cells rush to battle infection, and when they've done their job, they get flushed out of the body along with the virus.
How do you know if phlegm is getting better?When you are blowing your nose or coughing, pay attention to your mucus. When it starts to change consistency and color, it's telling you something about what's happening on a deeper level. When you're healthy, mucus looks clear or “pearly white,” as Dr. Boucher puts it.
How long should yellow mucus last?Sindwani says. “Usually after about seven days, if you have that yellow or green snot, and you're not feeling well, that's when we might consider giving you a course of antibiotics.”
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