DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Acute Bronchitis: DO avoid smoky environments. DO drink plenty of noncaffeinated fluids, such as water and fruit juices. DO get plenty of rest. DO use a room humidifier or damp towels for increased humidity in your room.
Rest. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and milk products. Try home remedies like spicy foods, mullein tea, vitamin C, zinc, garlic, and over-the-counter saline nasal spray.
Smoking. This the main risk factor. Up to 75% of people who have chronic bronchitis smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace.
Most people get over bronchitis in about two weeks, but it might take as long as three to six weeks. You can manage your symptoms at home with over-the-counter medicines while you get better. If you don't feel better after three weeks, see your healthcare provider.
Bronchitis and Your Workout Routine
“Once you get that baseline established, you can gradually increase the intensity of your exercises to improve your breathing and lung function.” And don't think you need to run a marathon. Walking and cycling are just as beneficial as running and may be easier on your joints.
If you have symptoms of bronchitis, stay home to avoid spreading your viral infection to others. To properly treat your acute bronchitis, get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat your symptoms.
Bronchitis can also be triggered by breathing in irritant substances, such as smog, chemicals in household products or tobacco smoke. Smoking is the main cause of long-term (chronic) bronchitis, and it can affect people who inhale second-hand smoke, as well as smokers themselves.
Yes. Most of the time, acute bronchitis is caused by a virus, such as the flu (influenza) virus. However, many different viruses — all of which are very contagious — can cause acute bronchitis.
Drink Clear Fluids
When you have bronchitis, it's important to loosen the mucus in your chest so you can cough it up and breathe more easily. The best way to thin mucus is to drink plenty of fluids like water, diluted fruit juices, herbal tea, and clear soups.
Your cough from bronchitis may be worse at night because the airways tend to be more sensitive and prone to irritation when the airway muscles are relaxed. 9 You may also feel more congested and stuffed up because mucus can pool in your upper respiratory tract when you're lying down.
Cold air is often dry air, and can irritate the airways if you have asthma, COPD or bronchitis. This can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Dress warmly and keep yourself dry.
Stay away from cold foods and drinks
Cold consumption may cause dryness in the throat, leaving your throat dry and itchy. This may worsen your cough.
Causes. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by airway inflammation from viral infections, such as the cold, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus RSV, or COVID-19 viruses. Occasionally, a bacterial infection can cause acute bronchitis.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin the thick mucus that's clogging your airways. This will help ease your discomfort as your body fights bronchitis symptoms.
The most common symptoms for acute bronchitis include cough, chest soreness, runny nose, feeling tired and achy, headache, chills, slight fever, and sore throat.
Drink plenty of fluids to help thin out the mucus in your nose and lungs. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can make your symptoms worse. If you have a cold or flu, be sure to get extra rest to help your body fight the infection.
To help suppress the cough associated with bronchitis, rub on a topical cough suppressant ointment such as Vicks VapoRub, suggests Rachel Schreiber, MD.
Most cases of bronchitis, especially the acute type, are caused by viruses and these do not need specific antibiotic treatment. The treatment advised is plenty of fluids and bed rest until the condition resolves.
If you come down with acute bronchitis, your body will need to rest so you can recover. You should hold off on exercise while you're symptomatic, typically for three to 10 days. You may continue to have a dry cough for several weeks.
Lie on your side with a pillow between your legs and your head elevated with pillows. Keep your back straight. Lie on your back with your head elevated and your knees bent, with a pillow under your knees.
Elevate your head and neck. Sleeping flat on your back or on your side can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, which can trigger a cough. To avoid this, stack a couple of pillows or use a wedge to lift your head and neck slightly. Avoid elevating your head too much, as this could lead to neck pain and discomfort.