*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Bronchitis

Some people have long-term inflammation of the airways in the lungs called chronic bronchitis. This is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Check if you have bronchitis

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

Symptoms include:

Bronchitis is often caused by infections that can be easily spread through coughing and sneezing.

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

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

you've had a cough for more than 3 weeks
you cough up blood or blood-stained mucus
you have chest pain that comes and goes, or when breathing or coughing
you're over 65
you're pregnant
you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition
you have a weakened immune system - for example, you have a condition that affects the immune system, or you're having chemotherapy
you feel very unwell

you are struggling to breathe - you are choking, gasping and unable to speak
you have pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the lips, tongue or gums, under the nails or around the eyes
you suddenly feel confused - for example, you do not know where you are
you're unable to wake your baby or they feel floppy

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.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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