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- What is bronchitis?
- Symptoms of bronchitis
- Causes of bronchitis
- Prevention of bronchitis
- Risk factors for bronchitis
- Complications of bronchitis
- When to see a doctor about bronchitis
- Diagnosis of bronchitis
- Conventional treatment of bronchitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of bronchitis
- Living with bronchitis
- Caring for someone with bronchitis
Conventional treatment of bronchitis
Acute bronchitis
The conventional treatment of acute bronchitis depends on the symptoms and especially on the severity of symptoms:
- Antibiotics - to clear up the existing bacterial infection which may have caused the bronchitis in the first place and to prevent further (bacterial) infection
- Cough suppressant - these medications help to reduce coughing and so reduce the irritation and inflammation of the lungs. Cough suppressants are usually recommended by most doctors for acute bronchitis and can be purchased without a prescription over the counter at pharmacies
- Fluids - ensuring the body is well hydrated helps the lungs clear more quickly and helps to reduce any fever present. Doctors usually recommend drinking more water and/or fruit juice to help hydrate the body better and especially to help the lungs improve through better hydration
- Humidifier - this is recommended to help moisten the dry and inflamed air passages and decrease lung irritation, which helps to assist breathing. A humidifier can contain either plain steam or with eucalyptus or tea tree oil
- Painkillers - drugs such as Paracetamol or other analgesics are recommended to relieve any fever and muscle aches and pains that may be present
- Rest - adequate rest allows the body to heal itself properly, so take it easy
- Smokers - are advised to stop smoking while an acute bronchitis infection is present (and to quit permanently)
- Steam inhalation - this works along the same principles as a humidifier, but care needs to be taken not to get burnt by the hot steam. Steam inhalation involves adding hot water into a bowl and breathing in the steam. Stay at least 30cm away from the level of the bowl and if it feels too hot, move away. Steam inhalation should not be done on young children and older children should be supervised by an adult
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Chronic bronchitis
The conventional treatment of chronic bronchitis is to manage the symptoms present with this chronic disorder:
- Bronchodilators - this is a medication in a spray or pump form and it helps to open up the airways (bronchi) and reduce inflammation. Bronchodilators are usually only obtained by prescription from the doctor (although there are some which can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies). The best person who can advise on which bronchodilator is right for you, is your doctor
- Corticosteroids - these steroid medications may be prescribed for chronic bronchitis to help clear the lungs by reducing the inflammation, which makes breathing much easier
- Cough suppressant - these medications help to reduce coughing and so reduce the irritation and inflammation of the lungs. Cough suppressants are usually recommended by most doctors for acute bronchitis and can be purchased without a prescription over the counter at pharmacies
- Fluids - ensuring the body is well hydrated helps the lungs clear more quickly. Doctors usually recommend drinking more water and/or fruit juice to help hydrate the body better and especially to help the lungs improve through better hydration
- Humidifier - this is recommended to help moisten the dry and inflamed air passages and decrease lung irritation, which helps to assist breathing. A humidifier can contain either plain steam or with eucalyptus or tea tree oil
- Painkillers - drugs such as Paracetamol or other analgesics are recommended to relieve any fever and muscle aches and pains that may be present
- Rest - adequate rest allows the body to heal itself properly, so take it easy
- Smokers - are advised to stop smoking as it is the number one reason why people get chronic bronchitis. You should speak to your doctor about some strategies to help you quit smoking
- Steam inhalation - this works along the same principles as a humidifier, but care needs to be taken not to get burnt by the hot steam. Steam inhalation involves adding hot water into a bowl and breathing in the steam. Stay at least 30cm away from the level of the bowl and if it feels too hot, move away
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< 8: diagnosis 10: alternative treatment > Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
