Bronchitis forum. Navigating Bronchitis: Expert Insights and Personalized Solutions
What are the symptoms of bronchitis? How can you treat it effectively? Get the answers to your burning questions about this respiratory condition and discover tailored strategies to manage it.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory condition that can cause significant discomfort and disruption to everyday life. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments is crucial for effectively managing this condition. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the intricacies of bronchitis, providing you with expert insights and personalized solutions to help you navigate this health challenge.
Recognizing the Telltale Signs of Bronchitis
Bronchitis typically presents with a persistent cough, often accompanied by the production of clear, white, yellow, or green mucus. Chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, a sore throat, and a runny nose are also common symptoms. It’s important to note that these symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu, so it’s essential to seek medical advice to differentiate between these conditions.
Tackling Bronchitis with Targeted Treatments
In most cases, bronchitis resolves on its own within three weeks without the need for specific treatment. However, in some instances, antibiotics may be prescribed if the condition is caused by a bacterial infection. To ease the symptoms of bronchitis, various strategies can be employed, including:
- Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to alleviate pain and reduce fever
- Using honey to soothe a sore throat (not recommended for babies under 1 year old)
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of the infection
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
When to Seek Medical Attention for Bronchitis
While bronchitis often resolves on its own, there are certain circumstances where seeking medical attention is recommended. You should consult a healthcare professional if:
- Your cough lasts for more than 3 weeks
- You cough up blood or blood-stained mucus
- You experience chest pain that comes and goes or when breathing or coughing
- You’re over 65 years old
- You’re pregnant
- You have a long-term condition, such as diabetes, a heart, lung, or kidney condition, or a weakened immune system
- You feel very unwell or are struggling to breathe
- You have pale, blue, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue
- You suddenly feel confused or are unable to wake your baby
Preventing and Managing Chronic Bronchitis
For individuals with chronic bronchitis, the challenge of managing the condition can be ongoing. Strategies to prevent and manage chronic bronchitis include:
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
- Using inhaled medications, such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids, to manage symptoms
- Considering oxygen therapy if breathing difficulties persist
- Regularly visiting a healthcare provider to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed
Navigating the Challenges of Chronic Bronchitis
For individuals living with chronic bronchitis, the day-to-day management of the condition can be both physically and emotionally taxing. It’s important to recognize the challenges and seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and loved ones to ensure the best possible outcomes. With the right strategies and a proactive approach, individuals with chronic bronchitis can learn to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Empowering Yourself to Manage Bronchitis Effectively
By understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments for bronchitis, you can take a more active role in managing your condition. Remember, seeking medical advice when necessary and following a personalized treatment plan are crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes. Embrace the strategies outlined in this article and take the first step towards regaining your respiratory health and well-being.
Experiences with Bronchitis | HealthUnlocked
Experiences with
Bronchitis
Check if you have bronchitis
Symptoms of bronchitis can be similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms include:
- a cough – you may cough up clear, white, yellow or green mucus
- chest pain when coughing
- shortness of breath
- a sore throat
- a runny nose
- a high temperature
Things you can do to help with bronchitis
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
do not smoke
- 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
Treatments for bronchitis
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.
Symptoms of bronchitis include a cough (which may have clear, white, yellow or green mucus), shortness of breath and a high temperature.
You can ease the symptoms of bronchitis with rest, painkillers, and by drinking plenty of fluids. Try to stay at home to avoid spreading it.
Bronchitis usually gets better on its own without treatment in around 3 weeks. You may need antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection.
Related links
Bronchitis
HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence
1,153 public posts
chronic bronchitis. Can’t seem to get rid of it On inhaler. Nebulizer singular. Flonase. Allergy pill. Cough med. And antibiotics
chronic bronchitis. Can’t get rid of it. On inhaler. Nebulizer. Flonase. Singular. Cough meds. Allergy pill Now I think I have pleurisy. Help
chronic bronchitis. Can’t get rid of it. On inhaler. Nebulizer. Flonase. Singular. Cough meds. Allergy pill Now I think I have pleurisy. Help
Fuscojo
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Acute Bronchitis advise
I have bad asthma and 95% of the time my regular colds turn into bronchitis. With wearing masks I have not had a cold or bronchitis for 2.5+ years. I am now on day 9 of bronchitis and was wondering if anyone can tell me how long the wheezing and lungs full of phlegm usually last with bronchitis?
I have bad asthma and 95% of the time my regular colds turn into bronchitis. With wearing masks I have not had a cold or bronchitis for 2.5+ years. I am now on day 9 of bronchitis and was wondering if anyone can tell me how long the wheezing and lungs full of phlegm usually last with bronchitis?
AnxiousCanadianChic
in Asthma Community Forum
000Z” title=”Friday, November 18th, 2022 5:33 AM”>8 months ago
I have COPD
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis
Bliss2
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Want to take advantage of all our features? Just log in!
Covid Antivirals
I don’t have copd but fairly full on chronic bronchitis. I’m concerned that it’l be a rough dose . Whats the criteria for getting antivirals for covid?
I don’t have copd but fairly full on chronic bronchitis. I’m concerned that it’l be a rough dose . Whats the criteria for getting antivirals for covid?
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
bronchitis
medication to help thin mucus on chest, to help remove mucus easier
medication to help thin mucus on chest, to help remove mucus easier
Sc99By542
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
000Z” title=”Tuesday, September 6th, 2022 3:33 PM”>10 months ago
nebuliser recommendations?
Thought it may help to clear some much (chronic bronchitis) as I seem to be tied all the time lately- chest feel tighter, wheezier etc
Do people find nubulised saline effective at all?
Thought it may help to clear some much (chronic bronchitis) as I seem to be tied all the time lately- chest feel tighter, wheezier etc
Do people find nubulised saline effective at all?
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Chemo mucositis?
After chemo session #5 I thought I had bronchitis; coughing up very thick mucus from down deep in the chest, but it cleared up in about 10 days, and is back again after chemo #6, so I’m guessing it’s chemo induced mucositis.
After chemo session #5 I thought I had bronchitis; coughing up very thick mucus from down deep in the chest, but it cleared up in about 10 days, and is back again after chemo #6, so I’m guessing it’s chemo induced mucositis.
Gl448
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Bizarre Diagnosis
But I got a really weird letter from the Consultant saying that the diagnosis is therefore chronic bronchitis, which she never mentioned in her chat with me.
I looked it up and chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD. Except… I only have one COPD symptom, which is a productive cough.
But I got a really weird letter from the Consultant saying that the diagnosis is therefore chronic bronchitis, which she never mentioned in her chat with me.
I looked it up and chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD. Except… I only have one COPD symptom, which is a productive cough.
porthos06
in Asthma Community Forum
bronchitis amoxicillin
hi everyone I’m new to this forum I’ve just been diagnosed with bronchitis by my GP and put on a course of antibiotics amoxicillin 500 3 times a day , I’ve only had one days course so far , when will they kick in or I start to feel better the lack of sleep is unbearable, and coughing through the night
hi everyone I’m new to this forum I’ve just been diagnosed with bronchitis by my GP and put on a course of antibiotics amoxicillin 500 3 times a day , I’ve only had one days course so far , when will they kick in or I start to feel better the lack of sleep is unbearable, and coughing through the night
Bluey43
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
000Z” title=”Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 2:44 AM”>9 months ago
Brown Inhaler side effects.
Using a brown inhaler twice a day for post viral bronchitis, started using it a week ago. Now have bacterial Pharyngitis and little voice, feel absolutely awful. Antibiotics just started. Should I carry on using my inhaler?
Could my brown inhaler be affecting my voice.
Using a brown inhaler twice a day for post viral bronchitis, started using it a week ago. Now have bacterial Pharyngitis and little voice, feel absolutely awful. Antibiotics just started. Should I carry on using my inhaler?
Could my brown inhaler be affecting my voice.
Ellapoodle
in Asthma Community Forum
Dronedarone(Multaq) and lungfibrosis
My kidney and liver function tests were ok but during the last few years I developed a persistent dry cough and recurrent bouts of bronchitis.
My kidney and liver function tests were ok but during the last few years I developed a persistent dry cough and recurrent bouts of bronchitis.
Nyhyttan123
in AF Association
My Condition
I was diagnosed with Asthma and mild Bronchiectasis 2 years ago I had a cough for almost 35 years after a severe bout of bronchitis I eventually saw a lung consultant in Glasgow who diagnosed my condition I have had 3 lung scans and my condition is stable
My asthma is cough and I have about 4 to 5
I was diagnosed with Asthma and mild Bronchiectasis 2 years ago I had a cough for almost 35 years after a severe bout of bronchitis I eventually saw a lung consultant in Glasgow who diagnosed my condition I have had 3 lung scans and my condition is stable
My asthma is cough and I have about 4 to 5
leonierose
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
000Z” title=”Monday, July 3rd, 2023 9:50 PM”>3 days ago
Non obstructive chronic bronchitis
In hindsight possibly bronchitis with each cold.
Consultant now agrees this looks like chronic bronchitis without obstruction. Prescribed forstair, didn’t do much. About to start Relva. Use vetolin as & when.
Not dealing too well with it – very deflated.
In hindsight possibly bronchitis with each cold.
Consultant now agrees this looks like chronic bronchitis without obstruction. Prescribed forstair, didn’t do much. About to start Relva. Use vetolin as & when.
Not dealing too well with it – very deflated.
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Enerzair Inhaler
It’s a bit disconcerting to be on what appears to be a pretty strong inhaler a year into chronic bronchitis. I feel it leaves little room to up the meds.
It’s a bit disconcerting to be on what appears to be a pretty strong inhaler a year into chronic bronchitis. I feel it leaves little room to up the meds.
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
covid (any benefit to azithromycin)
*I have quite symptomatic chronic bronchitis (not copd yet as not under .70 – I’m sure it’s only a matter of time given the quantity of gunk, wheeze, tightness, constant fatigue – covid aside).
*I have quite symptomatic chronic bronchitis (not copd yet as not under .70 – I’m sure it’s only a matter of time given the quantity of gunk, wheeze, tightness, constant fatigue – covid aside).
PW_R
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
Long Covid and Breathlessness
I had an episode of acute bronchitis in October. Was hospitalised and treated with IV antibiotics. First time I have ever had a chest infection:
I have had a cardio review and all is normal. He gave me the brown and blue inhalers to try which made a significant difference.
I had an episode of acute bronchitis in October. Was hospitalised and treated with IV antibiotics. First time I have ever had a chest infection:
I have had a cardio review and all is normal. He gave me the brown and blue inhalers to try which made a significant difference.
pussycatwillow
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
When to start Antibiotics when get bad cold when on W and Wait
After 2 weeks I was given antibiotics. 2 weeks ago I got possibly same infection back with now just bronchitis. I have been expecting it to go away but not yet.
Should I not take antibiotics, have them ready, for this or next flu episode.
After 2 weeks I was given antibiotics. 2 weeks ago I got possibly same infection back with now just bronchitis. I have been expecting it to go away but not yet.
Should I not take antibiotics, have them ready, for this or next flu episode.
Marchmouse
in CLL Support
Severe Cold, to Bronchitis; PMR has not returned
A week later I had Bronchitis for the first time in my life and starting with week 3 my GP put me on a Prednisone routine of 40 mg, 30, 20, 10 over a course of 10 days.
A week later I had Bronchitis for the first time in my life and starting with week 3 my GP put me on a Prednisone routine of 40 mg, 30, 20, 10 over a course of 10 days.
Boss302Fan
in PMRGCAuk
Montekulast and Fostair
I had Covid last year followed by acute bronchitis some months later. This happened when I was on holiday in the Far East. Hospitalised and intravenous antibiotics etc for a week. I have never had any chest infections prior to this.
It now appears I may have late onset asthma.
I had Covid last year followed by acute bronchitis some months later. This happened when I was on holiday in the Far East. Hospitalised and intravenous antibiotics etc for a week. I have never had any chest infections prior to this.
It now appears I may have late onset asthma.
pussycatwillow
in Asthma Community Forum
Bronchitis, hospitalization and pancytopenia
hi everyone,
I am currently on peg 45mcg/week and somehow got a nasty bronchitis that I was unable to shake. I was sent by my GP to the hospital ER to receive IV antibiotics and they decided to admit me because of my past history of having a heart attack and current stent (that’s another story).
hi everyone,
I am currently on peg 45mcg/week and somehow got a nasty bronchitis that I was unable to shake. I was sent by my GP to the hospital ER to receive IV antibiotics and they decided to admit me because of my past history of having a heart attack and current stent (that’s another story).
leefsu97
in MPN Voice
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Bronchitis Help! | The DIS Disney Discussion Forums
Eeyores Butterfly
<img src=http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/509
#1
Okay DIS Doctors, I need your advice. I am at my wit’s end.
Three weeks ago I woke up with a gnarly sore throat, the kind that means a cold is coming on. By the end of the week I was experiencing some significant chest tightness (I have been told I have virus triggered asthma) as well as congestion. I called my doctor’s nurse and verified that I should refill my Advair and leave it at that.
At the beginning of week two I went to the doctor because that was not helping. I was told I had a sinus infection. I was given a script for antibiotics and prednisone and told to take Delsym. This is in addition to the Advair, Zyrtec, Nasocort, and nasal irrigation (and cold medicine).
Monday I went back to the doctor because it was still pretty bad. She took a chest X-Ray. I was told no signs of pneumonia (good) and that the X-Ray did not show signs of asthma, I have bronchitis instead. I was taken off the antibiotics and prednisone. She switched me from Nasocort to Astepro and from Delsym to Promethazine with Codeine.
The congestion finally cleared up a day ago, although there is still some drip. The cough is just as bad as it was however. The cough syrup is only helping a minimal amount, and I’m not sure that I can take it and do my weekend job at Worlds of Fun since I operate a ride.
It’s getting annoying. This is now the end of week 3 and it’s still here. I have a very physical job at school and it’s making it difficult. Yesterday I had to restrain one of my kids and could barely breathe by the end. Today I had to run after a kid who bolted and once again was having a horrid coughing fit when I was done. I can’t go work out because anything strenuous leaves me coughin and out of breath. I want to give it some more time to work before I go running back to the doc, plus, I hate to bother her so much (not to mention pay all those copays!)
Does anybody who has been through this have any suggestions?
kellydizfan
DIS Veteran
#2
I know the cough will stay around for quite awhile after the meds are finished. Mine usually does. I have a sinus infection now. I would still keep a close watch on how you are feeling. Not to scare you by any means but don’t feel bad about bothering the doctor. Just last December, my cousin had a bad case of it that it wouldn’t go away. His infection went to his heart and we came very very close to losing him. He spent three weeks in ICU and was on a heart transplant list. He did not end up needing the transplant as his heart made a 100% recovery without need of any surgery. The hospital calls him their miracle man as they did not expect him to live.
lovemygoofy
DIS Veteran
#3
Drink ALOT of water. Are you taking something similar to mucinex or mucinex itself? Whenever I have bronchitis, I have to start a week of mucinex dm which helps supress the cough and thins out the mucus to cough it out. Cought it out is why the water is so important.
If you need a good cough suppressant but can’t use something like mucinex, I also have taken tesslon pearls. Little yellow pearl things that are great for lots of coughing.
Also, when I start a coughing fit I have a cup of hot tea or coffee. The coffee really helps but some don’t take it because of the caffinee.
The cough could stay with you for a few more weeks. Hope you feel better soon.
LindaR
DIS Veteran
#4
Oh gosh! You sound just like me! I too, was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection and bronchitis. I went to a walk-in clinic first (my doctor was not in) on a Friday. He gave me amoxocillian (sp?) and Tessalon Perles. The tessalon was great!
By Monday, I was really having difficulty breathing and not feeling ANY improvement other than the supression of the coughing. I called and got in to my own doctor. He said the amoxocillain was not a strong enough antibiotic for how sick I was. He switched me to Augmentin for double the amount of time. He also put me on an inhaler.
This was two weeks ago. The sinus thing is pretty much over. My chest does not hurt anymore and I can breathe BUT I still have a mild cough. It takes a while to go away.
Christine
DIS Veteran
#5
The cough will hang on for a long time. I’m surprised that you are out of breath though. I would think that this cough and inflammation has now flared your asthma up.
My DD, who does not have asthma, got bronchitis over the winter. She cought for months it seemed. Finally, at the end they gave her an albuterol inhaler and within a week she was all better. Her airways were just very inflamed and the albuterol brought down that inflammation. Maybe you could try that?
Eeyores Butterfly
<img src=http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/509
#6
I have an inhaler, but it does not seem to do much for me other than make me feel shaky. I wouldn’t mind the cough so much if it weren’t interfering with my daily activities.
The Tessalon pearls several people have mentioned, are they OTC or does that require a prescription?
heatherwillmom
DIS Veteran
#7
I am a Primary Care provider & we see a lot of Bronchitis in the office this time of year. It seems to be harder to get rid of than it used to be. My typically treatment is a steroid shot & a Rocephin (strong antibiotic) shot in the office. The I place the pt on a strong antibiotic that covers the lungs well so to prevent pneumonia. I also give a cough suppressant & expectorant, an inhaler, along with a steroid pack. I don’t always give all this, but most of the time the patients are already so sick & having so much difficulty breathing, that if I don’t, they end up coming back any way
Is it possible to completely cure chronic bronchitis? and if be very cold, dress warmer, if you have chronic bronchitis, any cold turns into it! And watch out for drafts!
#3
#4
9 0029 December 03, 2008, 10:05 AM
#5
#7
That’s what helps me – ACC 200 powder, Lazolvan tablets (Ambroxol), propolis tincture (inhalation type), drops Bronchosan. As they correctly wrote – if there is an acute attack of bronchitis, then Ampiox helps, in chronic cases – the antibiotic is not so needed, since there is no inflammation.
#9
#10
#11
#13
#14
#15
asked to know if it is possible to cure him completely?
#16
#17
#18
Elena
Lazolvan ask at the pharmacy. About happens in tablets, in solutions and in syrup. Well, an adult is better in pills. Great product, gentle yet firm. After a couple of days, you cough everything up. And what is important, there are no allergies to it.
Elena
Ask Lazolvan at the pharmacy. About happens in tablets, in solutions and in syrup. Well, an adult is better in pills. Great product, gentle yet firm. After a couple of days, you cough everything up. And what is important, there are no allergies to it.
#19
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#22
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#25
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#27
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Vitaly
Good afternoon! My name is Vitaly! My mom suffers from chronic bronchitis, drinks different and antibiotics, and drinks different weed, in general various folk remedies and recipes and nothing helps! Recently, she has been coughing almost without interruption! Please advise how you can cure all this, how can you expel macrota? I will be very grateful to you
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#30
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yuri
“you’re not all sick, your body just wants to drink. ” read the book. This is due to dehydration. Read it and decide for yourself whether to believe it or not. I believe, because I was cured by drinking plain water and a pinch of salt. Search the Internet. I sincerely wish you all good health!
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#40
#41
Olga
I’ve been suffering from bronchitis for several years in a row, this kind of horror constantly swears at doctors in hospitals. It would seem that BRANCHIT sounds quite harmless.
#42
#43
#44
Tal ib
Good day, my mother has been suffering from chronic bronchitis for the seventh year already, neither ontibiotics nor folk remedies does not help, no one has heard of rose oil, they say it helps well if someone has tried it or knows where to find it, please respond. Thank you!!!
#45
#46
#47
#48
#49
Roma
And my father is ill ((((
asked to know if he can be completely cured? #50
began to drink breast milk ╧ 4 – 1 sachet per day Plus 4-6 fish oil pellets
The mood has been excellent for a year already. True, there are attacks 1-2 per month, but this is true.
side effects from smoking for 49 years without a filter pack a day. Try
and more optimism!
Bronchitis: what to do if the cough does not go away
Likbez
Health
September 18, 2021
Antibiotics are rarely needed.
What is bronchitis and how does it happen
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that carry air from the trachea to the lungs and back, which is accompanied by coughing.
There are two types of the disease. The first is acute bronchitis. It usually resolves within 10 days, although the cough may persist for several weeks. Sometimes, without proper treatment, inflammation can lead to pneumonia.
The second type is chronic bronchitis. This is a constant irritation and inflammation of the bronchi, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Where does bronchitis come from
The main cause of acute bronchitis is a viral infection. It can be transmitted from an infected person to others during coughing, sneezing, talking or contact.
But sometimes inflammation of the bronchi is caused by other factors:
- bacteria or fungi;
- external irritants – steam, dust, smoke, including from cigarettes;
- gastroesophageal reflux disease, where acid from the stomach causes heartburn and can enter the bronchi through the larynx.
Chronic bronchitis is most often caused by smoking, inhaling dust and chemicals, and sometimes due to a genetic pathology – a deficiency of the alpha-1-antitrypsin protein. It is needed to protect the lungs from the elastase enzyme, which is released during inflammation.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis
Both acute and chronic types are characterized by the following symptoms:
- cough with clear or greenish sputum;
- shortness of breath;
- wheezing;
- chest tightness, heavy breathing;
- sore throat;
- fever;
- chills;
- fatigue and weakness.
What to do if symptoms of bronchitis appear
It is worth going to a therapist, and if the temperature is above 38 °C, you can call him at home. The doctor will listen to the lungs, this is enough to make a diagnosis. Although in some cases the specialist prescribes an additional examination:
- Chest x-ray. The picture determines whether pneumonia has developed.
- Sputum analysis. Helps to understand if antibiotics are needed to kill a bacterial infection.
- Pulmonary function tests, or spirometry. A person blows into a special apparatus that measures the volume of exhaled air and the speed of its removal. This study is necessary for the differential diagnosis of emphysema and asthma.
How bronchitis is treated
It all depends on the type of disease.
Acute bronchitis
Doctors advise to rest, drink more fluids, but without alcohol and caffeine. The air in the house must be humidified using a steam generator or other available method. You may also be prescribed medication:
- Over-the-counter painkillers to bring down the fever.
- Expectorants – if sputum comes out with difficulty during coughing.
- Bronchodilator inhalers.
- Antibiotics. They are sometimes prescribed if a bacterial infection develops.
But folk remedies do not help with bronchitis. Compresses, mustard plasters, hot foot baths and cups create the illusion of care, but they are powerless against viruses and bacteria.
Chronic bronchitis
Treatment usually includes drugs and advice on lifestyle changes. So, doctors advise quitting smoking and avoiding passive smoking, doing physical exercises to train the respiratory muscles.
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. Medications only help relieve symptoms. It can be:
- Bronchodilators. These are inhalers that expand the lumen of the bronchi.
- Steroid hormones. They are also available as an inhaler and help reduce inflammation.