Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways (bronchi) that carry air into the lungs, causing a cough that often brings up mucus. Acute bronchitis usually follows a cold, is caused by a virus and gets better on its own within about three weeks. Chronic bronchitis — a cough with mucus most days for months, year after year — is part of COPD, a long-term lung disease caused mainly by smoke. Ayurveda describes cough as Kasa.
| Acute bronchitis | Chronic bronchitis (COPD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Usually a virus, after a cold or flu | Long-term smoke exposure: tobacco, and cooking smoke from wood, dung or coal (chulha); dust and fumes at work |
| Cough | Starts dry, then with clear, white, yellow or green mucus | Cough with mucus most days for at least 3 months, two years running |
| Other symptoms | Sore throat, runny nose, mild fever, chest soreness, tiredness | Breathlessness that slowly worsens; wheeze; frequent chest infections |
| Outlook | Gets better on its own, usually within 3 weeks | Long-term; stopping smoke exposure slows it down |
Green or yellow mucus does not by itself mean a bacterial infection or that antibiotics are needed.
Acute bronchitis is almost always viral, so antibiotics usually don't help and can cause side effects and resistance. Rest, fluids, paracetamol for fever or aches, and honey for the cough (not for babies under one year) are the mainstays. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if pneumonia is suspected or you are at higher risk, and an inhaler if there is wheeze. Cough syrups have limited evidence; avoid combination syrups for young children, and avoid codeine-containing syrups.
In India, COPD affects millions of people who have never smoked — especially women who have cooked for years over wood, dung or coal fires. A simple breathing test (spirometry) confirms it. Stopping all smoke exposure is the most important step: quitting tobacco, and switching to LPG or another clean fuel, or improving kitchen ventilation. Inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation (exercise and breathing training), and flu and pneumonia vaccines reduce symptoms and flare-ups.
Kasa (cough) is described in five types: Vataja (dry, with chest pain), Pittaja (yellow mucus, burning, fever), Kaphaja (thick, white mucus, heaviness), and two from injury or wasting (Kshataja, Kshayaja). Acute bronchitis usually resembles the Kaphaja or Vataja type; chronic bronchitis overlaps with Kasa and Shwasa (breathing disorders). Treatment uses warm, light food, steam, and expectorant, soothing herbs.
1 teaspoon of honey with a little ginger juice or in warm water soothes cough. Never give honey to babies under 1 year.
Classical expectorant and soothing herbs; Sitopaladi and Talisadi churna are common formulations.
Steam inhalation loosens mucus — keep children away from hot water to avoid burns.
Herbal remedies don't replace assessment of warning signs or TB testing. Liquorice can raise blood pressure with regular use. Use licensed products from a qualified practitioner.
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Reviewed against NHS: Bronchitis, NHS: COPD, NHS: Cough, NCCIH: Ayurvedic Medicine, and Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance. These links support education and do not replace individual medical advice.