Bronchitis Treatment

You should consult a GP for bronchitis if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent symptoms: A cough lasting more than three weeks or worsening over time.
• High fever: A temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F) or chills, which may indicate a serious infection.
• Thick or bloody mucus: Coughing up yellow, green, or blood-streaked mucus.
• Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain when breathing.
• Recurring bronchitis: Frequent episodes that could suggest chronic bronchitis or an underlying condition.
• Extreme fatigue or weakness: Feeling unusually tired, which may signal complications.

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation leads to several symptoms, including:

• Persistent cough: A dry or productive cough that may bring up mucus (phlegm), which can be clear, white, yellow, or green.
• Chest discomfort: A feeling of tightness or soreness in the chest, especially when coughing.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially after physical activity or exertion.
• Wheezing: A whistling or rattling sound when breathing due to inflamed airways.
• Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or weak due to the body’s effort to fight the infection.
• Mild fever and chills: A slight increase in body temperature, often accompanied by shivering.
• Sore throat: Irritation or pain in the throat from constant coughing.
• Runny or stuffy nose: Common if bronchitis develops after a cold or flu.

Bronchitis can be caused by different factors, primarily infections and environmental irritants.

1. Viral infections: The most common cause of acute bronchitis is a virus, such as the common cold, influenza (flu), or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces.

2. Bacterial infections: Although rare, bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) can cause bronchitis. Bacterial bronchitis may require antibiotics if symptoms are severe.

3. Environmental factors and irritants: Smoking is a major cause of chronic bronchitis, damaging lung tissue over time. Air pollution, dust, fumes, and chemical exposure can irritate the airways and trigger bronchitis. Frequent exposure to household irritants (like cleaning chemicals or strong fragrances) can also increase risk.

4. Weakened immune system: People with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases are at higher risk of developing bronchitis. Infants, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses may be more vulnerable to infections.

In most cases, acute bronchitis clears up on its own, but in some situations, it can lead to complications:

• Pneumonia: If the infection spreads deeper into the lungs, it can cause pneumonia, leading to more severe breathing problems, fever, and chest pain.
• Chronic bronchitis: If you experience frequent episodes of bronchitis (lasting 3 months or more per year for at least 2 consecutive years), it may indicate chronic bronchitis, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Worsening of pre-existing conditions: People with asthma, emphysema, or other lung diseases may experience worsened symptoms when they develop bronchitis.
• Respiratory failure: In some cases, severe inflammation and mucus buildup can cause oxygen levels to drop, requiring medical intervention.

Preventing bronchitis involves protecting the lungs from infections and irritants. Here are some effective ways to lower your risk:

1. Get vaccinated:

• Annual flu shot: Reduces the risk of viral infections that can lead to bronchitis.
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Recommended for older adults and those with chronic lung conditions to prevent pneumonia.
• COVID-19 vaccination: Helps prevent respiratory complications that can trigger bronchitis.

2. Wash your hands frequently:

• Viruses spread easily through direct contact, so wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Use hand sanitiser if soap is unavailable.

3. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke: Smoking damages lung tissues and greatly increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.

4. Wear a mask in polluted environments: If you work in dusty areas or are exposed to chemicals, wear a mask to reduce irritation. During flu season or in crowded places, wearing a face mask can help prevent infections.

5. Strengthen your immune system:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support your immune system.
• Stay active with regular exercise to boost lung function.
• Get enough sleep to help your body fight infections.

6. Humidify your air:

• Dry air can irritate your lungs and worsen bronchitis symptoms.
• Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air, especially in winter.

7. Avoid contact with sick individuals:

• If someone has a cold, flu, or respiratory infection, maintain distance to reduce the risk of infection.
• Disinfect surfaces frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

Telehealth services allow you to connect with an AHPRA-accredited online doctor or health practitioner within minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7. To access an instant consult:

• Click on ‘See a doctor now’
• Fill in your details and make payment
• Speak to an AHPRA-accredited medical practitioner within 15 minutes
• If approved, get online prescriptions, medical certificates and referrals to your phone.

Medical certificates for work, school, or to fulfill carer’s responsibilities can be issued through Hola Health post-approval from a licensed medical practitioner. This certificate can be used as official documentation for sick leave or work-related absences. Get a hassle-free same-day medical certificate online or a multi-day medical certificate within 15 minutes, 24/7

Request an online prescription through a telehealth appointment with Hola.

An online script is a secure digital prescription that allows you to get your medication from any pharmacy without needing a paper prescription. It is especially useful when you cannot visit a GP in person.

Steps to get an eScript via Hola Health

• Start here and request an instant script
• Fill in your details, make a payment and connect with a web doctor within minutes
• If appropriate, the doctor will send an SMS with your prescription.
• Take the online script to a local or online pharmacy delivery services to get your medication.

Through telehealth, you can receive various referrals for bronchitis, depending on the severity of your symptoms and any underlying conditions. These may include:

• Specialist referral: If your bronchitis is chronic or severe, a GP may refer you to a pulmonologist for further evaluation and management.
• Pathology referral: If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection or other complications, they may refer you for blood tests, sputum culture, or other diagnostic tests.
• Radiology referral: A GP can provide a referral for a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia or other lung conditions if symptoms are prolonged or worsening.

Yes! If your local GP is unavailable, you can connect with an online health practitioner during business hours or after-hours doctor online for fast and convenient care. With 24/7 telehealth services, there’s no more searching for “Dr near me”, simply book an online consultation anytime, anywhere. Whether you need medical advice, instant scripts, referrals, or sick certificates online, an AHPRA-registered GP is just a click away

Connect with licensed online doctors 24/7 and quickly obtain medical certificates, online prescriptions, and specialist referrals, all without leaving home. Telehealth helps in the following ways:

• Online GP consultations: Speak with an AHPRA-registered doctor via telehealth, often within 15 minutes.
• Round-the-clock access: Get medical support from a 24-hour doctor, no matter where you are in Australia.
• Online scripts: Secure fast online prescriptions, approved by a licensed doctor.
• Medical certificates: Request a doctor’s certificate online for work, school, or carer duties, all without a clinic visit.
• Online referrals: Receive GP referrals for specialists, pathology, and radiology tests without waiting for an in-person appointment.
• Mental health support: Access bulk-billed mental health care plans from experienced professionals through telehealth.

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Telehealth doctor appointments
• Online instantscripts
• Medical certificates
• Online doctor referrals