Key points
- Swollen breathing tubes
- Usually follows a cold
- Smoke makes it worse
- Cough over three weeks needs a check
What it is
Bronchitis is swelling of the lining of the breathing tubes (bronchi), which carry air into the lungs. The swollen lining makes extra mucus, causing cough.
Acute bronchitis usually follows a cold and settles in two to three weeks. Chronic bronchitis — a productive cough on most days for months — is mainly linked with smoking and long-term exposure to smoke or dust.
Common signs
- Cough with clear, white, yellow or green mucus
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Mild breathlessness or wheeze
- Tiredness and a mild fever
Common causes
- Viral infections such as cold and flu
- Smoking and second-hand smoke
- Smoke from wood or dung fires (chulha)
- Dust, fumes and air pollution at work
- Cold, damp weather
Everyday care that helps
- Rest and drink plenty of warm fluids
- Steam inhalation can loosen mucus
- Stop smoking and avoid smoky rooms
- Use a mask in dusty or polluted air
- Sleep with the head slightly raised
When to see a doctor promptly
- Breathlessness at rest or getting worse
- High fever or chills
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Cough lasting more than three weeks
How we approach it at Gursagar
We take a careful history of the cough, its timing, mucus, smoking and work exposure, and examine the chest.
Dr. Shah prescribes classical homoeopathic medicine chosen for you individually, alongside any treatment from your other doctors.
Common questions
Is bronchitis contagious?
The viruses that cause acute bronchitis can spread; chronic bronchitis itself is not contagious.
Do I need an X-ray?
If the cough is long-lasting or there are warning signs, your doctor may advise one.
Can I consult online?
Yes, for follow-up and ongoing care.
Practising classical homoeopathy since 1999 · Gursagar Homoeopathic Hospital, Rajpura & Chandigarh · Full profile →
Would you like Dr. Shah to look at your case?
Consult in person at Rajpura or Chandigarh, or online from anywhere in India and abroad.
This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Every person is assessed individually, and results differ from person to person. Please do not stop or change any medicine prescribed to you without speaking to your doctor. Dr. Randeep Singh Shah, D.H.M.S., AFHom (UK) · Reg. No. 2423-A.