My bronchitis usually lasts for about 3 weeks. Part of the reason being is that I usually don't go see the doctor until a week after the symptoms start. My doctor usually prescribes Tussionex and a steroid. The Tussinex really takes away the pain in my throat and lungs and allows me to sleep well, and the steroid helps with the inflammation.

This is my second time with bronchitis. The doc prescribed an antibiotic (Z-pak) but it didn't work, then Clarithromycin (creates a metallic taste in your mouth, so bad it wakes you from sleep). Additionally, I was prescribed Iophen-C NR Liquid (guaifenesin w/ codeine). Guaifenesin thins the mucous and codeine stops the cough reflex. I took this initially when the chest hurt so much, to stop the cough. But after the antibiotic kicked in and the chest pain was gone, I wanted to cough up that stuff, so I switched to Guaifenex PSE 600/120 TB SA (guaifenesin w/ Sudafed) to thin the mucous and decongest. The Sudafed contains pseudoepinephrine which gave me major chills so I stopped that as well. Now my doc wants me to try prescription Robitussin because I'm coughing a ton, but at least it's productive. The last time I had bronchitis, it took a couple weeks to really recover and this time, seems to be the same. I've been VERY tired and have rested a ton! I also have asthma (I'm 40 and just found out...who knew?!) and have had to use my inhaler much more than ever before (1-2 times per day). When I use my inhaler, it does help my cough. Bronchitis is tough to get rid of and I feel it requires a lot of rest, I'm not one to take that well. Also drink a ton of water or whatever other liquid you can get down. I am on the 6th day of a second round of antibiotic and my phlegm is still yellow, still coughing, and still have a headache and sore throat. It is a long road...

I haven't gotten help with this, but I do smoke regularly even though I am trying to quit. So far I have had this about 5 months. My previous doctor thought it was allergies, she gave me nasal spray. Which didn't help at all because I would just end up vomiting it up because of the bitter taste it leaves in your mouth. In the mornings it is probably the worst for me because I wake up barley able to breathe and coughing up really nasty colored mucus.

I noticed a slight cough a week ago. I didn't think any thing of it. Monday I painted my kitchen ceiling and really started coughing. Figured it was the paint fumes, so I opened lots of windows. Friday I was too sick to go to the doctor. Went in Monday and have Bronchitis. At least it is not pneumonia like I thought. I just have difficulty talking after walking. He put me on Prednisone (2 for 5 days then 1 for 5 days) and Azithromycin (2 today and 1 for next 4 days).

My five year old son was diagnosed with bronchitis, and the doctor gave him an albuterol inhaler, and a steroid to decrease inflammation. His cough stopped for a while but now I'm thinking of taking him back to the doctor. I'm seeing symptoms like 101 degree fever, pretty persistent cough, and he complains of a headache nearly everyday.

I've had bronchitis for just about 2 weeks. Before that, I was having trouble with my sinuses and was trying to treat that problem at home. I started to cough up blood-streaked phlegm. That's when I went to the doctor and found out about the bronchitis. She put me on penicillin, Ventolin and Benadryl. I took these for a week and wasn't really getting any better. So, I went to a different doctor. She put me on Z-pack and prednisone. She also told me to keep using the inhaler and stop the Benadryl. It's only been 2 days and I feel much better. I still feel weakened and still can't breathe as well as usual. But the inhaler helps. I've also been taking ibuprofen for body aches and fever. The real downer about all of this is that the doc won't let me go back to work until it's all gone! At least I'm feeling better.