You're Offline
The page will automatically refresh once you get online
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:
Bronchitis is often caused by infections that can be easily spread through coughing and sneezing.
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
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child aged 4 years or under.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
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.
