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For acute bronchitis caused by a virus, you DO NOT need antibiotics. The infection will generally clear on its own within one week. Take the following steps for some relief:
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have a fever. DO NOT give aspirin to children .
- Rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom.
- DO NOT smoke.
If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler to open your airways. If your doctor thinks that you have a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
For chronic bronchitis, the most important step you can take is to QUIT smoking. If caught early enough, you can reverse the damage to your lungs. Other important steps include:
- Limit your exposure to pollutants and other lung irritants.
- Get a flu vaccine each year and a pneumococcal vaccine as directed by your doctor.
- Attend a respiratory training program that includes physical activity and breathing exercises. Your doctor can recommend a medically appropriate and well-supervised program. If it is early in your disease process, you can likely exercise on your own; talk to your doctor about safety.
Your doctor will usually prescribe inhaled medicines for chronic bronchitis. These drugs, which include bronchodilators like albuterol and ipratropium, open your constricted airways and aid in the clearance of mucus. An oral bronchodilator called theophylline and steroids (either inhaled or by mouth) are often necessary as well. If you have an active infection, your doctor will put you on antibiotics and sometimes recommend regular antibiotics to prevent infection.
If you have low oxygen levels, home oxygen will be used.
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