Treatment for Bronchitis
Treatment for Acute Bronchitis
The treatment of acute bronchitis begins at home itself. Almost 90% of acute bronchitis cases are caused by viral infection. As antibiotics do not cure viral infections, it is not advised for acute bronchitis. Instead only the medications that may relive the discomfort arising from the symptoms are advised. The patient is advised: to take Acetaminophen (Feverall, Panadol and Tylenol), Aspirin, or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin and Advil) for his fever and muscle aches; a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier reduces the bronchial irritation; and an over-the-counter cough suppressant like preparations of Guaifenesin (Robitussin, Breonesin and Mucinex) provides comfort from coughing. The patient is also advised to increase his fluid intake as fever causes the body to lose fluid faster. However, if the patient develops symptoms like: severe coughing that interferes with rest or sleep; wheezing that does not respond to an inhaler with albuterol; continuous fever beyond four to five days; or the production of blood, rust-colored sputum, or an increased amount of green phlegm, he should immediately seek medical help. The doctors in such cases usually prescribe medications like bronchodilators that are used to treat asthma. These medications are often given through inhalers or nebulizer machines.
Treatment for Chronic Bronchitis
Inhalers
The treatment of chronic bronchitis on the other hand starts by reducing the exposure to the irritants responsible for it. After, a patient is diagnosed with chronic bronchitis; the physician would decide what medication or combinations of medications best for the patient. He may advise the patient to take short-acting or long-acting bronchodilators. These are at times directly breathed into the lungs using an inhaler. Bronchodilators can also be consumed in the form of pills. At times Corticosteroids can also be prescribed for inhalation.
Other Therapies
Moderate to severe chronic bronchitis may also be treated with oxygen therapy. During this therapy supplemental oxygen is given to the patient through small nasal prongs or a mask to improve the reduced level of oxygen in the blood. Another form of treatment of chronic bronchitis is pulmonary rehabilitation. This involves a life style management program along with medically supervised exercise program, disease management training, as well as diet and psychological counseling to improve the overall quality of health.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: August 29,2009
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Articles in bronchitis