Treatment for Bronchitis

Acute Bronchitis is when there is excessive and abnormal swelling and irritation to the windpipe to your lungs.

Most people get bronchitis during the cold winter months which usually begins with a common cold.

Bronchitis sets in when the cold moves from your nose and throat to your windpipe or trachea and airways.

Acute Bronchitis is usually caused from a virus or a bacteria that spreads through the air or is contracted by another person who has the illness.

There are a number of other reasons bronchitis occurs in some individuals which include certain allergies or even breathing air contaminated with chemical fumes, smoke, or dust particles.

If you suffer from lung disease your chances of getting bronchitis increases. Being run down, recovering from another illness or not eating a healthy diet can also contribute to getting a case of bronchitis.

Having a dry cough is one of the most common symptoms of bronchitis. As the illness progresses you may cough up sputum and mucous.

A temperature below 101 degrees which is considered a "low grade" fever is not uncommon in someone who has bronchitis, especially at the on-set of the illness.

You may feel a burning pain in your chest area or behind the breastbone. Wheezing or noisy breathing is common as well as breathing difficulties.

You must follow your doctors instructions so the illness does not become worse or possibly turn into pneumonia.

If the doctor prescribed cough medicine or an expectorant, take it according to the directions on the label.

The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for infection. Its very important to take the antibiotic according to the directions. If at any time you feel a medication is not working as well as it should be, notify the doctor.

If you smoke, its a good time to quit or at least refrain from smoking during the illness.

Avoid eating and drinking dairy products since these can cause increased and thicker sputum.

Drinking six to eight glasses of water each day can be very helpful since water helps to thin the mucous and makes it easier to cough it out.

Several times throughout the day, take two to three deep breaths and then cough. This will help the lungs not to become infected.

Have someone make both of their hands into fists and lightly pat your back with the palm sides down. This helps the build-up in the lungs to keep moving and can also help with getting any mucous coughed up.

To keep the air moist which will make it easier to cough up mucous, use a humidifier in the room. Be sure to clean the humidifier every day to keep it free from any fungus.

Be sure to rest until you feel you are much better.

You should contact the doctor if a cough does not improve or go away in a few days or if the sputum being coughed up is green, gray, or bloody.

You should get immediate care if you experience chills, have increased chest pain, have problems with breathing when resting or if vomiting occurs.

You should also seek immediate attention if you notice your lips or nail beds are turning blue or have become pale in color as well as if you can't stop or control coughing.