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

    FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Curb Anaphylaxis, An Alternative to Injections

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Spring Allergies Have Wide-Ranging Effects

    Athletes Can Expect High Ozone, Pollen Counts for Paris Olympics

    More Kids With Asthma Need Hospital Care on Very Hot Days

    Babies Who Got Only Breast Milk in Hospital Have Lower Asthma Rates

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

    Researchers Find New Way to Curb Asthma Attacks

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

    Many Americans Wary of Vaccines as Fall Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    Universal Flu Vaccine Blocks Infection in Mice

    This Season's Flu Vaccine Cuts Risk of Hospitalization by Almost 35%

    U.S. Government to Pay Moderna $176 Million to Develop mRNA Flu Vaccine

    Bird Flu Found in Sea Mammals, Upping Risk to Humans