A cough that produces mucus wet cough should not be treated with a cough suppressant, and studies show that neither type of cough medicine is necessarily better than home remedies. Sweet treatments have long been used to help soothe dry coughs and sore throats. Honey and lemon are commonly used, either alone or in teas. Pineapple juice may also help. Pineapple contains bromelain, which is a natural and powerful anti-inflammatory that can help you break up and expel mucus from bronchitis and other respiratory infections.
When bacteria is to blame for your bronchitis, antibiotics may help, but overuse of these medications can lead to resistance when you really need them. You can pair over-the-counter OTC medications with the suggested natural remedies.
The following medications may be helpful:. Many of the therapies and treatments used for bronchitis are designed to help chronic, not acute, bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis develops over time after long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lining of the bronchial tubes.
When this damage occurs, your bronchial tubes become irritated and begin to produce too much mucus in an effort to coat the irritation. Bronchitis causes excess mucus production and a tightening of your airways.
The increased phlegm can make it difficult to breathe and cause a persistent cough. Long-term bronchitis occurs as a result of breathing environmental irritants. The number one cause is smoking. You may also develop chronic bronchitis from inhaling second-hand smoke or polluted air. Long-term bronchitis could also result from an extended illness. Infants and older adults are especially prone to chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis is considered chronic when it occurs frequently and lasts at least 3 months out of a year for at least 2 years.
It involves a wet cough for most days in a month. Symptoms of acute bronchitis usually resolve within 1 to 2 weeks with home treatment. You should start to feel noticeably better after a few days. Doctors often advise people with respiratory infections to increase their fluid intake.
People with bronchitis can become dehydrated due to increased fluid loss from fever , rapid breathing, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, confusion, headache , and more discomfort in the mouth and throat. However, research has not proved or disproved the recommendation to increase fluids for respiratory infections, such as bronchitis.
However, hydration does compensate for lost fluid. Low humidity and cold temperatures have been connected with an increase in respiratory tract infections. Low humidity can also irritate nasal passages and the throat, and cause itchy eyes and dry skin. Various humidifiers are available to purchase online. People using a humidifier should make sure the unit is properly maintained and humidity levels are monitored. Dirty humidifiers are a breeding ground for mold or bacteria.
Too high humidity can cause respiratory problems as well as triggering allergy and asthma flare-ups. People without a humidifier can increase water in the air by boiling it on the stove for 5 minutes every hour. They can also add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils and hang their head over the bowl or pan of boiling water for a few minutes to relieve symptoms. Placing a towel over the head helps keep in moisture.
Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. Inhaling smoke can trigger severe fits of coughing if a person has bronchitis. Quitting smoking altogether or cutting down limits damage to the bronchial tubes and helps faster healing.
A person who quits smoking is less likely to get acute bronchitis in the future. People should also stay away from other irritants that may trigger bronchitis, such as dust, chemicals in household products, and air pollution. Filters in air conditioning and heating systems should be changed as recommended by manufacturers. To alleviate symptoms of bronchitis and manage the condition, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend lifestyle changes that include following a healthful diet.
A healthful diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It also includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products and limits saturated and trans fats, cholesterol , salt, and added sugars.
This damage is caused by an insufficient intake of energy and macronutrients, as well as a lack of specific micronutrients. Taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin , acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms of bronchitis, such as fever, headache, and aches and pains.
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Will antibiotics help you feel better faster when you have acute bronchitis? Can home treatment relieve most symptoms of acute bronchitis? Is there anyone who can benefit from taking antibiotics for acute bronchitis? Can you take antibiotics as often as you feel you need to and still have them work every time?
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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Updated visitor guidelines. Bronchitis: Should I Take Antibiotics? Get the facts. Your options Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis. Don't take antibiotics. Try home treatment instead. Key points to remember Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and often follows a cold or flu. Antibiotics usually do not help acute bronchitis, and they may be harmful. Experts recommend that you not use antibiotics to try to relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis if you have no other health problems.
Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful. Not taking the full course of antibiotics when your doctor prescribes them also can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it. This is called antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may help prevent complications from acute bronchitis in people who have other problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , other long-term breathing problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis , or heart failure.
What is acute bronchitis? What causes acute bronchitis? What are the risks of acute bronchitis? If you have no other health problems, acute bronchitis poses little risk. It's most likely to develop if you have a long-term chronic disease, such as: COPD. Cystic fibrosis. Heart failure. Treatment for people with these health problems depends on their condition. How well do antibiotics work to treat acute bronchitis?
How can you treat acute bronchitis without antibiotics? Here are some things you can try that may help you feel better: Relieve your cough by drinking fluids, using cough drops, and avoiding things like smoke that can irritate your lungs.
Get enough rest so that your body has the energy it needs to fight the virus. You'll feel better sooner if you rest more than usual while you have acute bronchitis. Try over-the counter medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve fever and body aches. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
Is there anything you can do to calm your agitated airways? Family physician Donald Ford, MD , shares his advice for treating bronchitis at home. Bronchitis is especially annoying because the cough can last for weeks, even after the infection is gone. So what can you do? First, make sure you actually have bronchitis. Ford advises.
If you are battling bronchitis, expect your cough to last several frustrating weeks. Bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus. Swallow plenty of it to help loosen mucus so that you can cough it up and out gross, but gratifying.
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