Bronchitis

What is acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is swelling and irritation of the airways to the lungs. It occurs most often in the winter and usually starts as a cold. The cold then spreads from the nose and throat to the windpipe and airways. Usually viruses (and rarely bacteria) cause bronchitis. Bronchitis is spread in the air or by being around someone who is sick. Bronchitis is usually not a serious illness and most people can be treated at home. You may or may not need antibiotics.

How long will the effects last?

Most cases will resolve on their own without antibiotics after 10 – 14 days. It is also common for a dry cough or tickle in the throat to continue for another week (beyond the initial 2 weeks) as the cough center in your throat heals itself.

It may take you longer to recover if:

You are a smoker.
You live in an area where air pollution is a problem.
You have a heart or lung disease.

How can I take care of myself?

You can help yourself by:

following the full treatment your health care provider recommends
using a vaporizer, humidifier, or steam from hot water to add moisture to the air
taking cough medicine if recommended by your health care provider
resting in bed
taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve headache and muscle pain (no one 18 years of age and under should take aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome)
If you are given a prescription for antibiotics, take them as ordered by your ZCP until they are all gone.
Your appetite may be poor so a light diet is fine. Avoid dehydration by drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid per day (water, soft drinks, juices, tea, soup, etc). Extra fluids will help to loosen secretions in the lungs so it can be coughed up easily.
Use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer to increase air moisture . This will make it easier for you to breathe at night. Do not use hot steam.
If you are a smoker, do not smoke while you are sick. Consider quitting.
Follow up with your doctor or as directed in the next 2-3 days to be sure you are responding properly to the medication.

How can I help prevent acute bronchitis?

To reduce your risk of getting a respiratory infection:

Do not smoke.
Wash your hands often.
Get regular exercise.
Eat healthy foods.

Call your doctor or send a ZELP if:

Your cough does not show signs of improvement after 2 weeks, or you have fevers at any point.
You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking (such as rash, itching, swelling, or stomach pain).

NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR right away, return to ZoomCare, or go to the Emergency Department immediately in case of the following:

Increasing shortness of breath, wheezing, or pain with breathing.
Excessive weakness, drowsiness, headache or stiff neck.
Worsening of your condition or your general