Most cases of bronchitis go away on their own. The infection simply has to run its course over several weeks. Treatment options your doctor may suggest are: Resting and getting plenty of fluids.
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. You should call your doctor if: You continue to wheeze and cough for more than 2 weeks, especially at night when you lie down or when you are active. You continue to cough for more than 2 weeks and have a bad-tasting fluid come up into your mouth.
If you have acute bronchitis, whether it's viral or bacterial, you should stay home from work because acute bronchitis iscontagious and can transmit to others. Bronchitis is an inflammation and irritation of the bronchi in the lungs that causes a cough.
How long does it take to get over bronchitis? 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.
Generally, you should be feeling better from acute bronchitis within a week or two, though you may have a lingering cough and fatigue for three weeks or more. The types of viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis will usually have been in your system from two to six days before you start feeling cold symptoms.
Symptoms are usually worst between days 3 and 5, and the cough usually gets better in 3 weeks.
If bronchitis becomes pneumonia, a person's symptoms usually worsen. They will have a cough with mucus and a fever. If a doctor cannot diagnose pneumonia based on the person's symptoms, they may suggest a chest X-ray or blood test.
The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.
A bronchitis cough sounds like a rattle with a wheezing or whistling sound. As your condition progresses, you will first have a dry cough that can then progress towards coughing up white mucus.
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.
Acute bronchitis will usually go away on its own and can be treated at home with rest, NSAIDS, and enough fluids.
Small amounts of white mucus may be coughed up if the bronchitis is viral. If the color of the mucus changes to green or yellow, it may be a sign that a bacterial infection has also set in. The cough is usually the last symptom to clear up and may last for weeks.
Avoid lung irritants.
If you smoke, the most important thing you can do is stop. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about what might work best for you. Avoid dust, chemical fumes, smoke from other people, and anything else that can bother your lungs. If you can't avoid these things, try wearing a mask.
Bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus. That means antibiotics won't help, and there's not much you can do to speed up the recovery process. While you'll have to practice patience as you recover, though, these tricks might help you at least feel a little better while you wait.
Exercise may worsen some bronchitis symptoms. However, physical activity such as stretching and light cardio may be suitable when recovering from acute bronchitis or managing chronic bronchitis.
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.
“For acute bronchitis, exercising may not be a good idea. However, if you have chronic bronchitis, regular exercise can improve how your body uses oxygen and strengthens your breathing muscles, which can help you manage your condition.”
Treatment of bronchitis
The treatment advised is plenty of fluids and bed rest until the condition resolves.
Difficulty Breathing
Also, if your nails or lips start to turn blue or gray, or if you become tired because you have to work so hard to breathe, go to an emergency center.
Could my bronchitis turn into pneumonia? Typically, bronchitis does not turn into pneumonia. In some cases, a person with bronchitis develops a secondary infection that may turn into pneumonia, usually when a bacterial infection spreads from the bronchial tubes to the lungs.
Acute bronchitis usually gets better on its own—without antibiotics. Antibiotics won't help you get better if you have acute bronchitis. When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.