Bronchitis (cont.)
What are the treatments for acute bronchitis?
Decreasing inflammation is the goal for treating acute bronchitis.
Albuterol inhalation, either with a hand held device (meter dosed inhaler,
MDI) or
nebulizer will help dilate the bronchial tubes.
Short-term steroid therapy will help minimize inflammation within the
bronchial tubes. Prednisone is a common prescription medication that enhances
the anti-inflammatory effects of the steroids produced within the body by the
adrenal glands. Topical inhaled steroids may also be of benefit with fewer
potential side effects.
It is important to keep the patient comfortable by treating fever with
acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Drinking plenty of fluid will keep the patient well
hydrated and hydration keeps secretions into the bronchial tubes more liquid and
easier to expel.
Antibiotics are not necessarily indicated for the treatment of acute
bronchitis. Occasionally they may be prescribed should a bacterial infection be
present in addition to the usual virus that causes acute bronchitis. However,
most acute bronchitis is caused by viruses and no antibiotics are needed.
Although good hydration will help remove secretions into the bronchi, other
treatments (for example, Mucinex, Robitussin and others that contain
guaifenesin) can help clear
secretions though this is often a highly variable finding.
Cough is a very violent action that results in dynamic collapse of the
airways. This collapse results in the walls of the airways banging against one
another. This action of cough can cause further inflammation and help perpetuate
the problem by sustaining and increasing inflammation. Cough suppression with
cough drops or other liquid suppressants (for example, Vicks 44, Halls, and
cough syrups that contain dextromethorphan) help to break this vicious cycle. In addition, if the person smokes, they should stop. If the
acute bronchitis is being caused by inhaled smoke or chemicals, the patient
should be removed from these irritant sources.
Next: Can I treat acute bronchitis at home? »
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