Acute symptoms include a cough, wheezing and sputum production which may be accompanied by a sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, runny nose, nasal congestion and fever.

Chronic symptoms may include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, especially upon exertion. The cough is often worse soon after waking up and the sputum may be yellow or green in colour.

Patients may be recommended to rest, drink plenty of fluids and to take aspirin, antibiotics or antivirals. Further treatment of bronchitis is aimed at reducing the inflammation through removal of the irritant or treatment of the infection. Inflammation may be reduced by using prescribed corticosteroids and Physiotherapy is effective in clearing sputum, reducing congestion, improving lung function and reducing shortness of breath.