The goals of treatment for bronchitis and asthma are to relieve the symptoms and ease breathing. Individuals who suffer from this combination of symptoms must address both factors in order to feel better and be healthy again. A combination of treatments may be recommended by the primary health care provider to calm both the bronchitis and the inflammation and constriction of asthma.
Antibiotics
Although antibiotics are one of the mainstays of treatment for bronchitis, American Academy of Family Physicians believes they offer no significant advantage over placebos. Offering evidence from clinical trials comparing placebos against doxycycline, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, there was limited support that antibiotics offered any advantage. Reasons for prescribing antibiotics ranged from patient dissatisfaction with care to the lack of recognition between acute and chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by persistent inflammation of the bronchial tree that may result in an underlying infection, which would benefit from antibiotics.
Bronchodilators
The primary function of bronchodilators is to decrease the inflammation and constriction in the bronchial tree, improving the ability to breath and exchange oxygen. The American Academy of Family Physicians tells patients that the clinical findings of asthma and acute bronchitis are very similar. Using inhaled albuterol to treat bronchospasms, physicians found that more patients are able to return to work after four days of treatment, and a smaller percentage of patients coughed after one week.
Smoking Cessation
Chronic bronchitis is one form of chronic obstructive lung disease. Treatment should always include a means of improving lung health through lifestyle choices. According to the National Lung Health Education Program, smoking cessation is one of the most important efforts that a patient can make to improve their lung function and reduce their symptoms. This choice includes removing secondhand smoke from the environment as well. Smoking cessation is a challenging project that may require several attempts to finally achieve success. However, success and improved lung function results in improved health and greater longevity.
Pulmonary Toilet
"Pulmonary toilet" is the medical term used to describe a means of clearing mucus and secretions from the lungs. Mucus and other secretions can build up in the lungs in individuals who suffer from asthma and bronchitis. According to the National Lung Health Education Program, this cleansing action is important to the prevention of infection. Mucus and secretions are a prime breeding ground for bacteria. Coughing and clearing these secretions at least every morning and evening, reduces the risk of a secondary infection.
