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

    Back-to-School Tips to Helping Your Kids Breathe Easier

    Planes' Air Ventilation Can't Spread Nut Allergens to Passengers: Study

    Athletes Can Expect High Ozone, Pollen Counts for Paris Olympics

    Seasonal Allergies Likely To Grow Worse Under Climate Change

    FDA Warns Top National Bakery to Stop Listing Allergens in Products When They Aren't There

    More Kids Without Asthma Inhaler After Popular Product Taken Off Market

    “Chameleon” Immune Cells Linked To Severe Asthma

    Exercise in Pregnancy Might Lower Baby's Odds for Asthma Later

    Polluting Puff: Asthma Inhalers Are Big Contributors to Climate Change

    Some Cases of Recurrent Wheeze in Kids May Need New Treatment

    Universal Flu Vaccine Blocks Infection in Mice

    Moderna's Combo Flu and COVID Shot Shows Promise

    'Dual Mutant' Seasonal Flu Virus Could Make Some Treatments Ineffective

    Most Americans Won't Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    Simple Paper-Strip Test Might Spot Flu, and Which Type You Have