Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the larger airways in the lungs. Acute bronchitis often follows a respiratory infection and commonly causes a cough, sometimes with mucus. A cough can have other causes, including pneumonia or asthma, so worsening symptoms or breathing difficulty should be assessed rather than assumed to be bronchitis.

Does coloured mucus prove I need treatment?

Mucus colour alone cannot establish which germ is responsible or whether a particular treatment is appropriate. The doctor considers the whole picture: how long you have been unwell, fever, breathing, chest discomfort and your usual health. A lingering cough can continue after other symptoms settle.

Mention smoking or vaping, asthma, other lung disease and reduced immunity. Describe whether you can speak, walk and sleep normally. If the cough is becoming worse or is not improving, those changes matter more than finding a label that sounds reassuring.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Bronchitis - symptoms and treatment - Healthdirect Australia.

How is bronchitis assessed?

A clinician may need to listen to your chest and check oxygen levels. Tests are chosen according to the findings rather than ordered for every cough. An online consultation can review symptoms, but it cannot reproduce all parts of a respiratory examination.

While recovering, rest as needed, avoid smoke and keep up fluids if you can drink normally. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before using cough products, particularly for children or when taking other medicines. Do not use someone else's prescription or assume that treatment from a previous chest illness suits this episode.

When should I get help?

Seek review if you feel very unwell, are getting worse or the cough persists. Call 000 for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, collapse or confusion. Chest pain or coughing up blood needs prompt assessment. People with existing lung disease should follow their personal action plan and seek help early if breathing changes.

Where to go next

Read Doccio information about cold and flu to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.