Bronchitis

Bronchitis is caused by an infection, which can be contagious for 24 hours to a week. However, if bronchitis is triggered by environmental factors like smoking, pollution, or chemical exposure, it is not contagious since there is no underlying infection. Here’s more.

When to consult a doctor for bronchitis?

If your cough lasts longer than usual

If you have had a cough that persists for more than three weeks or keeps getting worse, it could indicate bronchitis or another underlying lung condition. A GP can assess the cause and recommend proper treatment.

If you have a fever or breathing issues

If you experience high fever, chills or wheezing, while breathing may signal a more serious infection. These symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.

If you notice unusual mucus or recurring episodes

Coughing up thick, yellow, green, or bloody mucus, or having frequent spells of bronchitis, can indicate chronic bronchitis or another respiratory problem. Consult a GP to identify and manage the underlying cause.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr Vishnu Gopalan, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer at Hola.

Causes and symptoms

Bronchitis causes

Viral infections: Like the common cold, influenza (flu), or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Bacterial infections: Caused by bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)
Environmental irritants: Air pollution, dust, fumes, and chemical exposure can damage lung tissue over time.
Weakened immune system: People suffering from asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases.

Bronchitis symptoms

Persistent cough or wheezing
Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
Fatigue, mild fever and chills
Sore throat or stuffy nose

Prevention

Some prevention steps, with the help of a GP consultation, can include:

Get vaccinated with an annual flu shot or pneumococcal vaccine, or COVID-19 vaccination if needed.
Wash your hands frequently using soap or sanitise regularly using hand sanitiser
Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, as smoking greatly increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.
Wear a mask in polluted environments such as dusty areas or if you are exposed to chemicals. Disinfect surfaces frequently.

Telehealth assessment for Bronchitis

It is important to speak to a GP first to understand and manage your symptoms.

Hola Health provides a convenient way for you to consult a doctor online, 24/7 across Australia. Our AHPRA-registered Australian online GP will conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide the best possible care.

Start your GP consult now

Clinical note: An online GP consult provides medical advice for respiratory symptoms and evaluates if an in-person assessment, physical examination, or diagnostic tests (such as chest X-rays or lung function tests) are required. Telehealth is a complementary service; a physical examination—specifically listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation)—is the gold standard for distinguishing bronchitis from pneumonia. Online GPs can provide prescriptions or pathology referrals only if clinically indicated. Diagnosis via telehealth relies on the accuracy of the symptoms reported and visual assessment, where applicable. In case of severe difficulty breathing, blue-tinged lips, coughing up blood, or a sudden onset of high fever with chest pain, call 000 or visit an Emergency Department immediately. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.