1. Chronic Coughing Clue
When a nasty cold lingers and carries a respiratory infection to the lungs--that's when bronchitis can set in. Smokers and people who are exposed to smoke increase their risk of having a cold turn into bronchitis. A persistent, hacking cough that can linger for weeks signals a case of bronchitis. Coughing like this for months at a time can be a clue that the disease is now chronic.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoke and any kind of smoky environmental hazards can increase the incidence of bronchitis and its chronic sidekick. Quit smoking or change jobs if necessary to get away from a smoky environment. Make it a point to breathe clean air every day. Avoid cold germs as much as possible by compulsive hand washing. Hand sanitizers can be useful in keeping the germs at bay. Get a flu and pneumonia shot if you're at risk. And duck if you're caught in the line of fire of big sneezers.
3. Cough it up
Sometimes a serious coughing bout can be more annoying to others than it is to the sufferer. After a while, near the end of the bronchitis episode, the coughing persists. You shouldn't stifle the cough, but get that mucus up and out. Leave the room if you can and let it run its course. A case of chronic bronchitis can last for weeks and it may not be feasible to stay home for that long. Just be prepared for quick exits when prolonged coughing makes you a nuisance.
4. Lay low for Awhile
Sleep is always the best medicine for anything invading the human body. Rest as much as possible. Over the counter cough medicine can help relieve the coughing enough to let you get some sleep. And when it doesn't, there are prescription cough medicines that might do the job. Inhalers and humidifiers also can be helpful for those recovering from bronchitis. Coughing spells usually increase when you're lying prone, so you might consider setting up a stack of pillows in bed when recovering from bronchitis. Some people just sleep in their favorite chair or recliner. Do whatever it takes to get some rest.
5. You Can't Catch COPD
Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While a cold can set off a case of bronchitis, the disease itself isn't contagious. Second-hand smoke and air pollution are outside factors that can put others at risk, but you can't cough bronchitis at someone. Once the initial cold virus has run its course, when the cough continues, explain to people that you've been diagnosed with bronchitis and that it's not contagious. They'll soon learn to ignore your coughing spells.
