Bronchitis Treatment Questions and Answers

The length of time that bronchitis lasts typically depends on whether it is acute or chronic. As such, acute bronchitis typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, although some instances of acute bronchitis can last upwards of three weeks. However, with acute bronchitis, a cough can last for as long as eight weeks after the infection clears up.

In contrast, chronic bronchitis, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can last for an indefinite amount of time. For a case of bronchitis to be classified as chronic, an individual must experience a productive cough (with mucus) most days for at least three months at a time for two years in a row. Moreover, other causes of such symptoms, including tuberculosis or other lung disorders, must be ruled out.

If your case of bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the best medicine will likely be some form of antibiotic treatment. On the other hand, if a viral infection causes it, antibiotics will be ineffective. Since most bronchitis cases are caused by viral infections, the best medicine used to treat the infection could involve several different options, including rest, fluids, and home care, depending on your medical history, underlying medical conditions, allergies, and any medications you are currently taking. Some of these treatment options could include the following:

– Air humidifiers
– Avoidance of lung irritants
– Bronchodilators
– Cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin or Vicks)
– Increased fluid intake and rest
– Pain relief and fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
– Pulmonary rehabilitation (for chronic bronchitis)
– Quitting smoking

In general, acute cases of bronchitis do not cause any long-term damage to your lungs or health. Thus, while bronchitis should be taken seriously enough to seek medical attention for treatment, it should not cause you undue stress or worry. However, bronchitis can be serious when it becomes chronic or progresses into pneumonia. When bronchitis becomes chronic, it can damage the lungs and cause the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles, known as the alveoli, to fill with fluid. Moreover, extra caution should also be taken for individuals in high-risk categories with bronchitis, such as the elderly, premature babies, those with a history of lung disease, and those who have cystic fibrosis.

You should seek immediate medical attention for bronchitis if you have a high fever, a loss of appetite, or shortness of breath. If you have chest pain or significant difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

If you are dealing with bronchitis, it is understandable if a quick recovery is at the forefront of your mind. At Franklin Park Urgent Care, we will do our best to treat your case of bronchitis in a way that expedites your recovery. With that being said, the fastest way to cure bronchitis varies from case to case and often involves a variety of medicine and home care treatments and remedies. Our physicians at Franklin Park Urgent Care can establish a treatment plan when you come to see us for bronchitis treatment that will work to make sure you are relieved from bronchitis as soon as possible.