Effective treatment of bronchitis depends on many factors. Acute bronchitis can often be resolved with simple home remedies. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are used. Long-term therapy is required for chronic obstructive bronchitis. Various medications and measures are combined, depending on the severity.
Uncomplicated acute bronchitis often resolves without treatment. What is important, though, is to stop smoking and stay in bed and rest if you have a fever. Expectorants are recommended if the infection is viral. Drinking more fluids helps to discharge the mucus.
In some cases there is a secondary infection of the airways caused by bacteria, known as a super infection. In this case, the doctor generally prescribes antibiotics which can be combined with anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone.
The most common home remedies are chest compresses and rubs. Although it is not entirely clear how these work, experience has shown them to ease symptoms quite well. Lower leg compresses can be effective for high fever.
For acute bronchitis, nebulisation therapy can significantly relieve symptoms. Inhaling saline solutions loosens mucus and can also accelerate expectoration.
Treatment of chronic bronchitis with narrowed airways (chronic obstructive bronchitis) is based on the severity of the disease, and various therapies are combined with several objectives: avoiding complications, improving quality of life and increasing life expectancy. Improving physical performance and resolution of the cough and shortness of breath are also especially important.
It is essential that you give up smoking if you have bronchitis. You also have to avoid contact with harmful substances at work. The treatment is determined by the severity of the disease. The doctor may prescribe short-acting and long-acting medications to expand the bronchial tubes, or anti-inflammatory medications.
Pulmonary rehab classes can help those affected to deal with their disease. They teach what patients themselves can do to preserve their quality of life. This includes, for instance, adjusted diet, targeted physical training or special breathing techniques.
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