RA
1
1
Mild severity
· MD Medicine
Bronchitis
Inflamed bronchial tubes · Cough
Inflammation of the airways, usually from a virus, that produces a persistent cough for weeks. Antibiotics rarely help; supportive care does.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Very common after viral infection
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Self-limiting
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a verified MD Medicine doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Viral infection (most)
- Cigarette smoke
- Air pollution
- Bacterial secondary infection
- GERD reflux into airway
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Persistent cough, sometimes with mucus
- Mild chest discomfort
- Low-grade fever
- Wheeze
- Fatigue
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Rest, fluids, paracetamol
- Humidified air, honey for cough
- Bronchodilator if wheezy
- Antibiotics only if bacterial
- Treat underlying GERD or asthma
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Don't smoke, avoid smoke
- Annual flu vaccine
- Hand hygiene
- Treat reflux and allergies
Do’s
- Hydrate well
- Steam inhalation
- Use a humidifier
- Take honey at night for cough
Don’ts
- Demand antibiotics for a viral cough
- Smoke during recovery
- Suppress productive cough with strong meds
- Ignore wheeze for over 2 weeks
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.