Treatment and Prevention
For acute (infectious) bronchitis:
- Antibiotics are normally only prescribed if a bacterium is the cause. If
a virus is the problem, the infection will generally go away by itself.
- Over-the-counter painkillers are used to control the fever symptoms of a
viral infection. Children should never take aspirin* for a viral infection of
the respiratory tract. It can cause Reye's syndrome, which is a rare and lethal
inflammation of the brain.
- Cough medications used are either suppressants (which control the
cough) or expectorants (which allow the cough to clear mucus from the
airways).
- Bronchodilators are inhaled medications that help open up the airways.
They are usually taken as a "puffer" (metered-dose inhaler) or as
a mist used with a mask (nebuliser).
Medications for chronic bronchitis include:
- bronchodilators.
- corticosteroids such as prednisone, sometimes given when chronic
bronchitis suddenly becomes worse. These drugs help reduce the inflammation
and swelling of the airways.
Non-medication remedies for bronchitis include:
- drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin out the mucus so it is easier to
get rid of.
- using a cool or warm moist-air humidifier helps to thin the mucus blocking
the air passages. Humidifiers should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's
directions to make sure bacteria or mold does not build up inside the machine.
- exercising regularly.
- in some cases, taking oxygen therapy. This may be recommended for severe
chronic bronchitis, especially when the symptoms suddenly worsen. Many chronic
bronchitis sufferers find that "home oxygen therapy" is helpful
when they have difficulty breathing. This therapy is only useful if a measurement
of oxygenation shows that the oxygen level in your blood is low.
If you already have chronic bronchitis and there has been some damage to the
airways, quitting smoking slows down the disease and also lessens the chances
of getting lung cancer. Seeking counseling from a health professional or joining
a support group are the best ways to help yourself quit smoking.
Quitting smoking is also the best way to prevent bronchitis. Another
important preventive measure is to be vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.
These vaccinations are recommended for seniors, people with certain medical
conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), and everyone with chronic bronchitis
or COPD.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.