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Acute bronchitis

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Alternative Names:

Bronchitis - acute

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms with medications and supportive measures. Multiple studies have shown antibiotics do not benefit most patients with acute bronchitis. In otherwise healthy people, antibiotics should rarely be prescribed..

Medications which open constricted air passages in the lungs (bronchodilators), such as albuterol, may be prescribed particularly for patients with wheezing.

Decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine) may also help alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis. Medications that liquefy mucus secretions (mucolytics, like guaifenesin) may also be prescribed.

Supportive treatments include rest, increased humidity (using a cool mist humidifier) to soothe air passages, and increased fluid intake to maintain hydration and to thin mucous lung secretions.

Expectations (prognosis):

Symptoms usually abate within 7 to 10 days in the absence of prior chronic pulmonary disease. Complete resolution of cough commonly takes longer in some patients.

Complications:

Pneumonia is a possible complication.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of bronchitis occur.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for acute bronchitis and breathlessness develops, or if you cough up blood.