Health Tip: Treating Bronchitis

(HealthDay News) -- Bronchitis is a viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, making breathing more difficult.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends these steps to help cope with bronchitis:

  • Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Adults may want to take aspirin for fever; acetaminophen (never aspirin) for children.
  • If your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic. An antibiotic will not help a viral infection, the most common cause of bronchitis.
  • Run a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to help open the airways.
  • If your doctor approves, take a medication to control cough and inflammation.
  • Avoid exposure to things that irritate your lungs, especially tobacco smoke.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Peanut Allergy Risk Higher If Older Sibs Eat Peanuts, Study Finds

    Rising Tree Pollen Counts Signal Start of Allergy Season

    Tick-Borne Meat Allergy: Many Carry Alpha-Gal Antibodies Without Symptoms

    What's Living On Baby's Skin Might Predict Childhood Eczema Risk

    Holiday Tips To Keep Allergies and Asthma Under Control

    Severe Asthma Often Comes With Other Serious Health Problems

    Living With Cats Not Linked To Worse Asthma in Children

    Wildfire Smoke Puts Millions At Risk Across Midwest, Northeast

    Antibiotics Won't Help Ease Asthma-Linked Wheezing in Kids

    Asthma Drug Cuts Need For Steroid Pills While Keeping Attacks In Check

    FDA Declines to Review Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Application

    The Flu Vaccine Can Lower Your Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke — Even If You Wind Up Infected

    Moderna Starts Large Bird Flu Study Despite Earlier HHS Funding Loss

    A Doctor's Take: Expert-Backed Tips to Protect Kids From Germs For The School Year

    Children Should Get Flu Vaccine, Top Pediatrics Group Recommends