How Is Bronchitis Treated?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, usually resulting from a viral infection. Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic. Allergic bronchitis is also common among people who have allergies. Bronchitis is more common during the winter season when common cold and flu infect people in the community.
Conventional treatment for acute bronchitis consists in simple measures that anyone can start themselves at home. Bronchitis tends to resolve on its own within 10 days. Getting a plenty of rest, drinking a lot of fluids, avoiding fumes and tobacco smoke, as well as getting inhaled bronchodilators or even cough syrups are necessary. When treating chronic bronchitis, oral steroids, as well as supplemental oxygen are necessary.
In healthy people who have no other medical conditions, bronchitis tends to resolve on its own even without treatment. However, chronic health problems are also common, especially in those who have lung or heart problems. As bronchitis results from a viral infection, antibiotics are not necessary, as they tend to have no effect. However, if secondary bacterial infection is suspected antibiotics are necessary.
If the cough tends to be truly disruptive and even prevent you from sleeping, or if it persists for more than two or three weeks, you should get a cough suppressant. Aspirin or acetaminophen should also be used. Aspirin should not be given in children under the age of 19-years-old as its increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
In severe cases of chronic bronchitis associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the lungs ability to transfer oxygen throughout the body is significantly reduced. Oxygen therapy is often necessary in these cases. Devices that deliver oxygen are widely available. If cold air aggravates your signs and symptoms, especially shortness of breath put cold–air face masks before going outside.
If you smoke, a wise thing to do is to quit smoking. However, if you do not smoke tend to reduce the exposure to different fumes and tobacco smoke. Studies have shown that people who have bronchitis problems, especially when they are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and even smoke, increase the risk of having a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is often also recommended in cases of chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, which tends to help the person breathe better.
Home remedies before going to the doctor
Along with the standard treatment, patients also tend to use natural remedies as well as remedies prepared at home alone. Certain foods tend to reduce the signs and symptoms of bronchitis. Commonly used foods include lemon, ginger, almond, honey, as well as bay leaves. Before starting to use these home remedies and natural remedies consult with your doctor first.
In cases of acute bronchitis, if you are experiencing cough, fever and wheezing, stay at home, get plenty of rest, keep warm and drink plenty of fluids. In cases of chronic bronchitis, you should avoid exposure to dust, air pollution, various exhaust fumes and even tobacco smoke. Vaporizers are often recommended in order to humidify the air, especially in dry places. If you do smoke, you should better quit as soon as possible in order to prevent, more serious complications like emphysema and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, which clearly affect your lung function
