--- title: "Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "Acute bronchitis is a chesty cough after a cold — why antibiotics are rarely needed, what helps recovery, and when to see a GP." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/bronchitis/ robots: noindex --- # Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z Acute bronchitis is a chesty cough after a cold — why antibiotics are rarely needed, what helps recovery, and when to see a GP. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is bronchitis? Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs, usually following a cold or flu. The main symptom is a cough that may bring up mucus, sometimes lasting a few weeks. Most cases are caused by a virus, clear up on their own, and do not need antibiotics. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Bronchitis, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about bronchitis - Acute bronchitis is short-term inflammation of the lungs' airways. - The main symptom is a cough, which can linger for a few weeks. - Most cases are viral and get better without antibiotics. - A long-lasting or recurring cough should be checked by a GP. ## What is bronchitis? Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi — the main airways that carry air into the lungs. Acute (short-term) bronchitis is common and usually develops after a viral infection such as a cold or flu. It often sounds worse than it is, and most people recover fully. ## Symptoms The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up clear, yellow or greenish mucus. Other symptoms can include: - a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose - wheezing or breathlessness - tiredness and aches - a mild fever The cough can persist for a few weeks even after other symptoms have gone. ## What causes it Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by the same viruses that cause colds and flu. Smoking and breathing in irritants such as fumes or dust can also inflame the airways and make bronchitis more likely or longer-lasting. ## Treatment Acute bronchitis usually clears up on its own. To help yourself recover: rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches. Stopping smoking is one of the most helpful things you can do. Antibiotics are generally not recommended because the infection is usually viral and they make little difference to recovery. ## When to get it checked See a GP if your cough lasts more than three weeks, keeps coming back, or you cough up blood, and seek urgent help if you become very breathless or have chest pain. People with existing heart or lung conditions should seek advice sooner. ## ! When to see a GP about bronchitis See a GP if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks, you keep getting bronchitis, you cough up blood, or you have a long-term heart or lung condition. Get urgent help if you are very breathless, have chest pain, a very high temperature, or are coughing up blood-stained or rusty-coloured mucus. ## Common questions about bronchitis What is the difference between acute and chronic bronchitis? Acute bronchitis is a short-term infection that usually clears up within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition, often part of COPD, usually linked to smoking, where the cough and mucus persist over time. How long does bronchitis last? The main infection often settles within a week or two, but the cough can linger for up to 3 weeks or sometimes longer. A cough lasting beyond 3 weeks should be checked. Do I need antibiotics for bronchitis? Usually not. Most cases are caused by viruses, so antibiotics make little difference. A GP may consider them if you are at higher risk of complications or there are signs of a bacterial infection. How can I ease bronchitis symptoms? Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and treat any fever or aches with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Some people find honey or steam soothing. Stopping smoking helps your airways recover and reduces the chance of it returning. ## Sources - [NHS — Bronchitis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bronchitis/)