Acute bronchitis is an infection of the airways in the lungs. It causes an irritating, persistent cough that sometimes produces thick or coloured mucus (phlegm). You may also have wheezing, a fever, headache, and aches and pains. The illness is usually caused by a virus and often follows on from a cold. If you are otherwise healthy, it is not normally serious; you should be feeling a lot better within a few days, although the cough may linger for 3-4 weeks. You may be prone to bronchitis if you smoke or if you are exposed to pollution. People who have lung disease may have several attacks each winter.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
* You have a persistent cough and are elderly
* You have a lung condition such as asthma, or a heart problem such as heart failure
* You have difficulty breathing and chest tightness, or you are coughing up thick green, yellow, or bloodstained mucus
What you can do yourself
The following steps will help to relieve symptoms while the infection is clearing up.
* Get plenty of rest for the first few days of an attack, although you don’t need to stay in bed.
* Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day. Warm fluids, such as soup, may be comforting.
* To soothe an irritated throat, try a warm honey and lemon drink.
* Take a painkiller to reduce a temperature (See DRUG REMEDIES).
* Don’t try to suppress a cough that produces mucus, as this is the body’s way of clearing the airways. If you have a dry cough, however, try a cough suppressant (See DRUG REMEDIES).
* Warm, moist air loosens mucus. Use a humidifier, place a bowl of water beside a radiator to moisten the air, or sit in the bathroom while you run a bath and inhale the steam. A steam inhalation may also be helpful.
Seek further medical advice if
* You are not feeling better after 3-4 days, or the cough has not subsided within 3-4 weeks
* Breathing becomes more difficult, or you develop chest pains
* You have recurrent episodes of bronchitis
DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers such as paracetamol (see p 187) or ibuprofen (See p 184) will reduce your temperature and help you feel more comfortable.
Cough suppressants (see p 180) containing pholcodine or dextromethorphan can help relieve a dry cough that is keeping you awake at night. Some also contain sedating antihistamines (see p 178) to help you sleep. Don’t take suppressants with alcohol
Sedative medicine
Cough suppressants are usually available as liquids. Some brands are useful at bedtime, because they help you sleep.
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