Bronchitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and What to Do First

Bronchitis means the tubes that carry air to your lungs are inflamed. You usually get a cough that brings up mucus, chest tightness, and sometimes a low fever. Acute bronchitis often follows a cold or the flu and usually improves in a week or two. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition, often from smoking, and needs ongoing care and lifestyle changes.

First things to do at home include rest, drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, and avoiding smoke. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease fever and aches. Cough medicines may help you sleep, but do not give cough suppressants to young children without medical advice. If you have wheezing or shortness of breath, bronchodilator inhalers can provide relief — ask your doctor for the right test and prescription.

Most bronchitis is caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not usually helpful. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray or exam if pneumonia is suspected. Antibiotics are used only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. For more on choosing antibiotics and avoiding resistance, check our article "Broad-Spectrum vs Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics."

If your cough lasts more than three weeks or you produce sputum daily, think about chronic bronchitis. Smoking cessation is the single most effective step to slow disease progression. Treatments for chronic bronchitis include inhaled bronchodilators, steroid inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation, and vaccines to prevent infections. Talk to a respiratory specialist if symptoms limit your daily life.

Simple home remedies can make a big difference. Use warm fluids and broth to thin mucus, try steam from a shower to loosen congestion, and sleep with your head elevated to reduce nighttime coughing. Saline nasal sprays reduce post-nasal drip, and throat lozenges can soothe irritation. Avoid irritants like strong perfumes and cold dry air.

Know the red flags: get urgent care if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a high fever that won’t drop, or coughing up significant amounts of blood. Young children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease should contact a clinician early when symptoms worsen.

Prevent bronchitis by quitting smoking, washing hands often, and staying current with flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Good nutrition and regular activity support lung health. Low vitamin D has been linked to worse respiratory infections in some studies; see our article "Vitamin D: Your Secret Weapon Against Chest Congestion" for practical tips on vitamin D and respiratory health.

This tag collects practical guides, medication reviews, and prevention tips for bronchitis and chest congestion. Scroll down to find detailed posts about treatments, antibiotic choices, and safe ways to ease cough and mucus. If you’re unsure what to do next, call your healthcare provider — they can guide testing and the right treatment.

Expect recovery: acute bronchitis often improves in seven to fourteen days, but cough can linger for weeks. If symptoms return after improvement or you have repeated episodes each year, ask about tests for asthma or conditions.