Bronchitis Slideshow Pictures Asthma Myths Quiz Slideshow Pictures Asthma Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Bronchitis Treatment

Bronchitis Self-Care at Home

• By far, the majority of cases of bronchitis stem from viral infections. This means that most cases of bronchitis are short-term and require nothing more than treatment of symptoms to relieve discomfort.
  
  
• Antibiotics will not cure a viral illness.
  
  
  • Experts in in the field of infectious disease have been warning for years that overuse of antibiotics is allowing many bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotics available.
    
    
  • Doctors often prescribe antibiotics because they feel pressured by patient's expectations to receive them. This expectation has been fueled by both misinformation in the media and marketing by drug companies. Don't expect to receive a prescription for an antibiotic if your infection is caused by a virus.
  
  
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) will help with fever and muscle aches.
  
  
• Drinking fluids is very important because fever causes the body to lose fluid faster. Lung secretions will be thinner and easier to clear when the patient is well hydrated.
  
  
• A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can help decrease bronchial irritation.
  
  
• An over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant may be helpful. Preparations with guaifenesin (Robitussin, Breonesin, Mucinex) will loosen secretions; dextromethorphan-the "DM" in most over the counter medications (Benylin, Pertussin, Trocal, Vicks 44) suppresses cough.
  
  
• Natural treatments for bronchitis include honey, lemon, ginger, bay leaf, and almonds. Each of these foods has properties that reportedly reduce symptoms of bronchitis. Consult your health care practitioner before taking or using any natural remedies.