Bronchitis
Also known as: acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, tracheobronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi. Acute bronchitis is usually viral and self-limiting; chronic bronchitis is commonly associated with smoking or COPD and features a productive cough on most days for at least three months over two consecutive years. TCM management differentiates Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, Phlegm-Damp obstructing the Lung and Lung Qi/Yin Deficiency, and is adjunctive to standard respiratory assessment and care.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke, vaping and occupational dust — the single most important intervention for chronic bronchitis. [2]
- •Maintain hydration with warm fluids; a warm humid environment thins secretions.
- •Ensure seasonal influenza and recommended pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccinations for chronic bronchitis. [2]
- •Graduated aerobic exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation improve symptoms in chronic bronchitis / COPD. [2]
- •Reduce dairy, cold drinks and rich greasy foods in Phlegm-Damp presentations.
- •Honey (in adults and children over 12 months) may soothe cough; never give honey to infants under 12 months.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Do not delay medical assessment when pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, pulmonary embolism or malignancy is possible. [1,2][,]
- •Do not advise patients to stop prescribed inhalers, antibiotics or other medicines without discussion with the prescriber. [1,2][,]
- •Avoid Má Huáng (Ephedra) — TGA restricted in Australia; substitute Zǐ Sū Yè or Jīng Jiè with Xìng Rén for Wind-Cold cases.[]
- •Avoid raw Bàn Xià and raw Fù Zǐ; use only correctly processed forms.[]
- •In pregnancy, avoid strong descending or blood-moving points (LI4, SP6, BL60, BL67, GB21, ST12 and lower abdominal/lumbosacral points).[]
- •Avoid strong warming moxa in Wind-Heat, Phlegm-Heat or Yin-deficient Heat presentations.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
- •Review within 7–10 days for acute bronchitis; refer if cough is worsening, fever returns or new focal chest signs develop.
- •For chronic bronchitis, reassess pattern every 4–6 weeks alongside GP spirometry and inhaler review.
- •Escalate to medical review for any red flag or if the presentation fails to shift after two well-matched TCM treatment cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help bronchitis?+
Acupuncture is adjunctive — it may ease cough, chest tightness and sputum production alongside standard medical care, but it does not replace assessment for pneumonia, COPD or other serious causes.
What is the difference between acute and chronic bronchitis?+
Acute bronchitis is a short-term airway inflammation, usually viral, that resolves within about three weeks. Chronic bronchitis is a productive cough on most days for at least three months over two consecutive years, usually linked to smoking or COPD.
When should I see a doctor?+
Seek urgent medical review for breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, high or persistent fever, or a cough lasting longer than three weeks.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- 2025
- 2025
- 2017
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.