To treat bronchitis, approaches vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic:
Acute Bronchitis Treatment
- Rest and hydration: Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to help thin mucus and ease coughing
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, pollution, and other lung irritants
- Humidify air: Use a humidifier or inhale steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water to loosen mucus and soothe airways
- Over-the-counter remedies: Use cough suppressants, pain relievers like acetaminophen, throat lozenges, or saltwater gargling to relieve symptoms
- Home remedies: Natural options like ginger, garlic, turmeric, and honey may help reduce inflammation and support symptom relief
- Antibiotics: Usually not needed since most acute bronchitis is viral; antibiotics are prescribed only if a bacterial infection is suspected
Acute bronchitis typically resolves in 1-3 weeks, though cough may linger longer
Chronic Bronchitis Treatment
- Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke or other lung irritants
- Medications: Bronchodilators to open airways, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, anticholinergic drugs, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors may be prescribed
- Oxygen therapy: For severe cases with breathing difficulty
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: Breathing exercises and physical activity programs to improve lung function and quality of life
- Vaccinations: Flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines to prevent infections that worsen bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis requires ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent progression
. In summary, acute bronchitis is mainly managed with supportive care and symptom relief, while chronic bronchitis involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes oxygen or rehabilitation therapies. Medical evaluation is important if symptoms persist or worsen.
