Bronchitis
Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchial airways; acute bronchitis usually follows a viral infection, while chronic bronchitis describes long-term productive cough.
Key points
- Cough after an acute respiratory infection can last several weeks and does not alone show that antibiotics are needed.
- High fever, low oxygen, focal chest findings or marked breathlessness raise concern for pneumonia rather than uncomplicated bronchitis.
- Chronic productive cough warrants assessment for COPD, smoking exposure, asthma, bronchiectasis or another persistent cause.
The listings below do not distinguish acute infection from chronic airway disease; treatment should follow the underlying diagnosis.
Managing an acute cough
Fluids, rest and appropriate pain or fever relief may help. Wheeze can justify bronchodilator treatment in selected people, but routine antibiotics offer little benefit for uncomplicated viral bronchitis. Coloured sputum reflects airway inflammation and is not reliable evidence of bacteria.
When cough is chronic
Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically and often occurs within COPD. Spirometry, exposure history and exacerbation pattern guide inhaler and prevention decisions. Smoking cessation, vaccination where indicated and pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce future illness more than repeated cough medicines.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for severe or worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, coughing blood, low oxygen readings or inability to keep fluids down.
Further reading
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchial airways. Acute bronchitis usually follows a viral infection, while chronic bronchitis describes a long-term productive cough.
Is coloured sputum a sign that bacteria are causing the cough?
Coloured sputum reflects airway inflammation and is not reliable evidence of bacteria. Routine antibiotics offer little benefit for uncomplicated viral bronchitis.
When should I seek urgent care for bronchitis?
Seek urgent care for severe or worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, coughing blood, low oxygen readings or inability to keep fluids down.
Which tablets for bronchitis can I order?
SGMeds lists products containing cefdinir, cefixime and cefuroxime for bronchitis, for example Omnicef (cefdinir) and Suprax (cefixime). Each product page gives the strengths and forms.
Do I need a prescription for medicines for bronchitis in Singapore?
No. SGMeds does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for bronchitis: we place the order with our pharmacy partner, which prepares it and arranges delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy medicines for bronchitis online?
You can order them here on SGMeds: choose the product, strength and pack, then check out. We deliver to Singapore and Malaysia. Express shipping is tracked and takes up to 1 week, and Regular shipping takes up to 3 weeks.
How ordering works →