1. Don't Use Antibiotics
A common misconception is that bronchitis is caused by bacteria that will respond to antibiotics. However, most cases are viral, and therefore, antibiotics will not work to clear them. Bronchitis usually goes away on its own as your body fights the viruses that have invaded your lungs. There is no need for prescription medication unless it doesn't resolve itself within two weeks or you have other complications such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Left untreated, acute bronchitis can also turn into chronic bronchitis, so see a doctor if you are still stick after a couple of weeks.
2. Use Asthmatic Inhaler Sprays
Some doctors will prescribe asthma medications to their bronchitis patients to open up airways. These are inhalers that quickly act to reduce swelling in the bronchial tree, the tubes that move air in and out of your lungs. If you are having trouble breathing in addition to coughing and other symptoms, your doctor may prescribe one of these for you to use.
3. Treat the Problem with Cough Suppressants
There are plenty of over-the-counter cough medicines that can help your bronchitis symptoms. One with guaifenesin will help to loosen mucous secretions. A cough medicine with dextromethorphan will suppress your cough. Increase your fluid intake to relieve congestion. If you have fever or back or muscle pain from coughing, try a nonprescription painkiller such as acetaminophen.
4. Antibiotics for Secondary Infections
There are times when people do develop bacterial infections that are secondary to viral bronchitis. If your bronchitis has failed to heal on its own or persists for weeks, your doctor may then turn to antibiotics as a second course of treatment. You'll receive a prescription for an antibiotic that works against the particular bacteria causing your infection. If that fails, there is always the chance that you could have something other than bronchitis (such as asthma or pneumonia) and need further diagnostic tests like X-rays. A chronic cough from smoking, for example, may signal lung cancer. Constant wheezing may indicate asthma. You may be referred to a pulmonary specialist who can diagnose the real cause of your breathing difficulty and find the right treatment for it.
