I am now dealing with bronchitis combined with an acute asthma episode. It is hard to sort out what symptoms are causing what, and I am grateful that my doctor erred on the side of caution and prescribed Zithromax and Advair. Advair provided relief instantly. The combination of Zithromax, Advair and albuterol as needed has been essential to my recovery. I also drink lots of water, as many hot drinks as I can stand and find that rest is absolutely essential. It has only been 24 hours since I started this course of treatment and I am now seeing a positive trend for the better. I concur with all those who say "don't wait" for treatment. I also disagree with the doctors who withhold antibiotic treatment since I think bronchitis, particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory ailment, requires aggressive treatment as fast as possible. Published: October 30 ::

I have had bronchitis three times in my life, twice in the last two years. The last two bouts began right before Thanksgiving and lasted until New Year's (about six weeks). This seems consistent with what I have read. ("Acute" bronchitis can last up to six weeks ...) I got better as the weeks progressed, but it took me about six weeks to get fully "well." Things that I found helpful were: Mucinex, drinking a "healthy" amount (about two liters for me) of water, and an albuterol inhaler. I have been prescribed codeine and Tessalon Perles, but these have not worked for me. The Mucinex (which is OTC) seemed to thin the mucus and decrease the coughing. Drinking water also helped. It seemed to make my cough more wet/productive (which may not seem desirable), but it also seemed to decrease the frequency and extent of my coughing fits, especially those dry ones that just won't end! My doctor prescribed the albuterol inhaler (often used for asthma) when I went to see him about the bronchitis. It seemed to help me breathe and decrease my coughing somewhat. One final note: My brother swears by Celestial Seasonings Echinacea wellness tea with a spoonful of honey. I didn't find out about this until my last bout was almost over, so I can't really comment. But he says this helps him when he has respiratory infections. Published: September 11 ::

When I had bronchitis, I couldn't stop coughing and was unable to sleep more than two hours at a time, even with sleeping aids. I put hand towels in my dryer at moderately high heat and then wrapped a towel against my chest (over my top) and zipped up in my down vest. I wrapped another dryer-warm towel loosely around my neck and covered my ears with the warm cloth. The warmth felt wonderful but what was more important was that the coughing stopped almost immediately. I think the warmth helped my lungs to expand. The towel in the vest will stay warm for a long time; repeat as desired. Published: September 11 ::

I have COPD and frequent bouts of bronchitis. My pulmonologist has directed an antibiotic course when symptoms start as it always goes into severe exacerbation. My doctor was out on medical leave at last bout so I saw an internist for a prescription for antibiotic, but was also told that they no longer treat bronchitis with antibiotics. I continued to get worse, much worse, so went to another Dr. who prescribed antibiotics and said I should not have waited so long to start them. I believe the new anti antibiotic policy can be a dangerous one for people with serious and/or pre existing disease and I urge anyone who has serious symptoms and breathing distress to continue to seek treatment. I know the new policy is the result of concern about antibiotic overuse, but there are times when it is really needed to prevent lung damage and pneumonia. Be your own advocate and persevere when you know you are in trouble with this illness. Even with the antibiotic course that was eventually prescribed. I am now in my fifth week of bronchitis. It does last a long time, but antibiotic treatment, when needed, can save you from pneumonia or other worse complications. Seek medical care before this happens. Published: October 28 ::

I am now into my second week of a bad bronchitis attack. Sleeping is very difficult, as the coughing keeps me up. The coughing also causes dizziness. My doctor did prescribe antibiotics. I also am now taking Robitussin. I also take Mucinex. I use Vicks VapoRub as it is soothing and will take the suggestion of inhaling the vapor. My doctor tells me I am not contagious. Published: September 25 ::

Currently I have had symptoms for ten days. I am still not well. But the one thing that cured the coughing all through the night leaving me worn out was Tussionex. It was the 3rd or 4th item I tried it and it does help with night coughs. Published: November 18 ::

I have diagnosed as having bronchitis...I originally had a regular type cold (cough, runny nose, no fever) and then it seemed to subside. Then I kept coughing and the cough changed in sound and feel, so I went to the doctor. She prescribed medications. It has only been about six days and I still have the cough. It is not as bad but it is still here...thought it would have stopped by now but it seems that others here can attest to the fact that bronchitis can really linger. Published: November 16 ::