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Overview
Bronchitis usually follows a cold or the flu. Instead of getting well, those who have it develop a cough. Their chest may feel sore and they may have chills or a slight fever. Usually bronchitis only lasts a few days and is treated with over-the-counter medications. However, if it develops into chronic bronchitis or if it is accompanied by asthma or an infection, other medications may be prescribed by your doctor.
Prevention/Solution
Doctors advise people who have bronchitis to get plenty of rest. They should drink a lot of fluids. If they can, they should avoid being exposed to secondhand smoke. If they do smoke, they should stop. It is also important to keep warm and to add humidity to the air by using a humidifier. All of these methods will give the bronchi a chance to heal.
Considerations
Over-the-counter cough medicine is helpful if the bronchitis is accompanied by a severe cough that does not allow you to sleep or lie down. If this kind of cough continues, you should see a doctor who may send you to get a chest X-ray. The doctor may also want to test your sputum. There are several conditions which these tests will rule out including pneumonia, asthma, emphysema and tuberculosis.
Warning
Over-the-counter medications containing ibuprofen, acetominophen or aspirin (do not give aspirin to individuals under the age of 21) are helpful to treat the minor fever that often accompanies bronchitis. If your fever lasts longer than three days or if it is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, you should visit your doctor because this may indicate that your bronchitis has developed into a secondary infection for which an antibiotic will be prescribed.
Effects
When people who suffer from asthma or who have chronic lung conditions get bronchitis, it may result in wheezing or increased difficulty breathing. The doctor may prescribe an inhaler to reduce the inflammation of the bronchi to make it easier to breathe. You should also consult your doctor if you have bronchitis but cough up blood or if the bronchitis does not go away for longer than three months.
Expert Insight
Flu shots and pneumonia shots may help to prevent you from getting bronchitis. Using a hand sanitizer and wearing a face mask are other strategies that may reduce your exposure to the germs which cause the cold or flu that may result in bronchitis. People who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke are at the most risk to contract bronchitis, so maintaining a smoke-free environment is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting the disease.
