By far the majority of bronchitis cases stem from viral infections. This means that most cases of bronchitis are short-term and require nothing more than treatment of symptoms to relieve discomfort.
Antibiotics will not cure a viral illness.
Experts in infectious diseases have been warning for years that overuse of antibiotics is allowing many bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotics available.
Doctors often prescribe antibiotics because they feel pressured by people�s expectations to receive them. This expectation has been fueled by both misinformation in the media and marketing by drug companies. Don�t expect to receive a prescription for an antibiotic if your infection is caused by a virus.
Acetaminophen (Feverall, Panadol, Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil) will help with fever and muscle aches.
Drinking fluids is very important because fever causes the body to lose fluid faster. Lung secretions will be thinner and thus easier to clear when you are well hydrated.
A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can help decrease bronchial irritation.
An over-the-counter cough suppressant may be helpful. Preparations with guaifenesin (Robitussin, Breonesin, Siltussin) will loosen secretions; dextromethorphan (Benylin, Pertussin, Trocal, Vicks 44) suppresses cough. Wheezing may occur because of the inflammation of your airways. This may leave you short of breath.
Medical Treatment
Treatment of bronchitis can differ depending on the suspected cause.
Medications to help suppress the cough or loosen and clear secretions may be helpful. If you have severe coughing spells that you cannot control, you must see your doctor for prescription strength cough suppressants. In some cases only these stronger cough suppressants can stop a vicious cycle of coughing leading to more irritation of the bronchial tubes, which in turn causes more coughing.
Bronchodilator inhalers will help open airways and decrease wheezing.
Though antibiotics play a limited role in treating bronchitis, they become necessary in some situations.
In particular, if your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
People with chronic lung problems also usually are treated with antibiotics.
In rare cases, you may be hospitalized if you experience breathing difficulty that doesn't respond to treatment. This usually occurs because of a complication of bronchitis, not bronchitis itself.
World Health Organization
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are medicines that help open the bronchial tubes (airways) of the lungs, allowing more air to flow through them.
Bronchoscopy allows a doctor to examine inside your airway for any abnormality such as foreign bodies, bleeding, a tumor, or inflammation. The doctor uses either a rigid bronchoscope or flexible bronchoscope.
Respiratory System, in anatomy and physiology, organs that deliver oxygen to the circulatory system for transport to all body cells. Oxygen is essential for cells, which use this vital substance to liberate the energy needed for cellular activities.
