Conventional Treatment for Bronchitis

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There are three hallmarks to the treatment of bronchitis–rest, extra liquids, and nonprescription cough medicine. Since the usual cause of bronchitis is a viral infection, antibiotics aren’t effective in treating this respiratory problem. Antibiotics can only defeat bacterial infections. So, most cases of bronchitis don’t require this form of treatment.

The only reason your personal health care practitioner may prescribe antibiotics is if he suspects the origin of your illness is from a bacterial infection. He may also prescribe this class of drugs if you smoke or if you already suffer from a chronic lung problem. In these cases the antibiotics would treat a possible secondary infection.

Your bronchitis is caused by exposure to certain irritants. Many times, people encounter these on the job. If you work around grains or textiles or if you’re exposed to chemical fumes from ammonia you may be at greater risk for bronchitis.

If your cough is bringing up mucus, it’s best not to suppress it. You body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing at this time. Coughing is your system’s mechanism for removing irritants from your lungs and air passages. If you don’t cough, all of that “stuff” will just stay inside of you and continue to make you ill.

If your cough is keeping you up at night, then you need to find a type of cough suppressant that will calm your cough down enough so you can rest, but not enough to completely suppress it.

You can find several over-the-counter cough medicines that can do this for you. Make sure before you purchase it, though, that you read the labels. If you’re confused – and there are so many products on the market today so it’s easy to get confused –ask your health care practitioner for advice.

There are several steps you can take on your own to help hasten the passing of your bronchitis, make you more comfortable and prevent complications. The first is to use a humidifier. The warm, moist air created by this appliance can help relieve coughs and has the added benefit of actually loosening the mucus from your airways.

Try adding a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus or oregano. Before you even use this device, though, be sure to read the directions that come with it. You’ll need to clean it frequently to avoid the build up of fungi and bacteria in the water reservoir.

Now’s the time to use some of those over-the-counter medications. Think about using acetaminophen and ibuprofen for your fever and pain. As long as you follow the instructions on the label you should be fine.

You also want to avoid – as much as is possible – exposure to known irritants – like tobacco smoke, cold wet air, smog, and traffic pollution. You may even want to consider wearing a mask when the air is polluted. If you’re exposed to substances that irritate your bronchitis while you’re at work, wear a mask there as well.

For the most part, bronchitis disappears on its on within a few days leaving no lasting ill effects. The most you’ll have to contend with is that lingering cough.

Reference: Asthma and Bronchitis