NHS bronchitis symptoms to look out for if you're a smoker

During the month, smokers learn more and more about the multitude of dangers and harm smoking can do to a body. One common trait among smokers is bronchitis.

Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed. The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus (phlegm). Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat and wheezing.

Stoptober offers a range of free quitting tools including the NHS Quit Smoking app, Facebook messenger bot, Stoptober Facebook online communities, daily emails and SMS, and an online Personal Quit Plan tool. Read more here.

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Check if you have bronchitis

Symptoms of bronchitis can be similar to a cold or flu.

Symptoms include:

1. a cough – you may cough up clear, white, yellow or green mucus
2. chest pain when coughing
3. shortness of breath
4. a sore throat
5. a runny nose
6. a high temperature

It can take multiple attempts to quit smoking. ⏰
But it’s never too late to make the best decision for your health.

It’s never too late to quit smoking.

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— ASH Wales Cymru (@ASHWalesCymru) October 1, 2023

Smoking rates in Bolton reached a record low, new figures show – and ‘reflect the hard work that has gone into supporting residents to stop smoking’.

Things you can do to help with bronchitis

There are some things you can do to ease the symptoms of bronchitis and reduce the risk of spreading infections to other people.

Do

• get plenty of rest – try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
• drink plenty of fluids
• take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain and bring down a high temperature
• try adding honey to a warm drink to help soothe your throat (do not give honey to babies under 1)
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – put used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible
• wash your hands regularly with water and soap

Don’t

• smoke

Treatments for bronchitis

Bronchitis usually clears up without treatment in around 3 weeks. See a GP if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks.

You may need antibiotics if your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection.