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Key takeaways
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the airways that carry air to and from the lungs (called bronchial tubes).
Bronchitis symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, chest tightness, and a low-grade fever.
Bronchitis treatments include medications and lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, eating a healthy diet, and resting.
Bronchitis medications include NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), bronchodilators (Ventolin, Alupent, Xopenex, Maxair), corticosteroids (prednisone), expectorants (Mucinex), cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin), and antibiotics (doxycycline, amoxicillin).
Home remedies for bronchitis include using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, and taking vitamin D and NAC.
A persistent cough, fatigue, and trouble breathing are all common symptoms of bronchitis. Understanding what bronchitis is and how to treat it—both with medications and at-home remedies—are great first steps in learning how to treat bronchitis. Keep reading for more information on what bronchitis is, how it’s diagnosed, and how to treat it.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is the inflammation of your bronchial tubes’ lining or the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. In addition to a persistent cough that brings up mucus, it can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, chest tightness, and a low fever. The most common treatments include cough suppressants, self-care, and medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or bronchodilators.
There are two main forms of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is the most common type of bronchitis and is generally caused by a viral infection. Chronic bronchitis, one of the two most common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is irreversible and characterized by frequent bouts of bronchitis. This lung disease usually manifests in the form of an ongoing, chronic cough that lasts for several months.
Bronchitis is an extremely common condition in the U.S., with more than three million cases occurring every year. In a recent breakthrough, the FDA granted a Breakthrough Device Designation for the RheOx Bronchial Reoplasty System—one of the first treatments to address the debilitating symptoms impacting those who have chronic bronchitis.
How is bronchitis diagnosed?
Bronchitis is typically caused by viral infections, similar to those that cause the common cold or the flu, and manifests in the form of constant coughing. It can also be caused by bacterial infections or exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, dust, or air pollution.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the most common symptom of bronchitis is mucus production. If you’re constantly coughing up mucus or experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or chest tightness, you may have bronchitis. People who smoke, or those who live with someone who smokes, are at a higher risk of both acute and chronic bronchitis.
If you’re not sure whether you have bronchitis, schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider right away, as he or she can help diagnose the issue and provide further medical advice. Here’s what you can expect at your appointment:
- Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history and current symptoms. He or she will listen to your chest when you cough, which may be enough to diagnose bronchitis.
- Your doctor may order a blood test to look for signs of bacterial infection.
- Your doctor may order a chest X-ray to determine if there’s fluid in your bronchial tubes.
- Your doctor may perform a spirometry test, also called a pulmonary function test. This test measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can blow the air out. From this test, your doctor can determine whether or not you have asthma or another upper respiratory tract infection.
- If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may request a sputum culture, or a sample of the mucus you cough up. A lab test can conclude whether the mucus is from allergies or pertussis (whooping cough).
Questions your doctor may ask you
During your appointment, your doctor may ask the following questions to better inform the diagnosis of bronchitis:
- How long have you had your cough?
- Are you coughing up mucus?
- Does your chest feel tight?
- Do you have trouble catching your breath?
- Do you smoke?
- How long have you been smoking for?
- Did you have a cold before you started coughing?
- Have you been around other people with similar symptoms?
Questions you should ask your doctor
If you do have bronchitis, it’s important to understand its causes and course of action over the short- and long-term. Here are some of the more important questions to ask your doctor during your appointment:
- What causes bronchitis?
- What other health risks are associated with bronchitis?
- Am I contagious?
- How do I keep the issue under control?
- Is there a different plan of treatment for acute bronchitis vs. chronic bronchitis?
- What types of medication will I have to take?
- Are there alternative treatments for bronchitis?
- What lifestyle changes should I make to help relieve my symptoms?
Though primary care physicians and pediatricians can usually treat bronchitis, they may refer you to a pulmonologist if you have chronic bronchitis or another lung disease.
Bronchitis treatment options
After you receive your diagnosis, your doctor should provide you with a variety of options to treat your acute or chronic bronchitis. In most cases, treatment for bronchitis involves adequate rest and fluids. Other options for treatment include cough medications and NSAIDs or analgesics to relieve pain and fevers. Those with chronic bronchitis may need bronchodilator medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, antibiotics, steroids, vaccines, oxygen therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.
There is no absolute cure for acute or chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis often resolves on its own within a few weeks. For those with chronic bronchitis, the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent further complications, and slow the progression of the disease.
How to prevent acute bronchitis
To avoid getting bronchitis, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t smoke and try to stay away from secondhand smoke
- If you come down with a cold, get plenty of rest
- Eat a healthy diet
- Don’t share food, cups, or eating utensils with those who are sick
- Wash your hands often
- Get an annual flu vaccine
How to prevent chronic bronchitis episodes
The most important thing you can do to prevent recurring bronchitis attacks is to stop smoking. When you quit smoking, your lungs can heal, allowing you to breathe easier and reduce your chances of getting lung cancer. You should also avoid other lung irritants like air pollution, toxic fumes, and dust.
Bronchitis medications
Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications in the following drug classes to help treat acute and chronic bronchitis and prevent recurring attacks from happening. Talk to your doctor about which medications are safe for you and remember to always use over-the-counter medicine as directed.
NSAIDs
This class of analgesic medications reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. These agents are beneficial in providing symptomatic relief of pain and fever associated with bronchitis. Some popular NSAID brands are Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), and Aleve (naproxen). Common side effects include headache, dizziness, heartburn, and nausea.
Bronchodilators
If you have acute bronchitis with wheezing, you may be prescribed a bronchodilator. You may also be prescribed a bronchodilator if you have a history of COPD, asthma, or chronic bronchitis. These drugs dilate the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. Some popular brands include Ventolin (albuterol), Alupent (metaproterenol), Xopenex (levalbuterol), and Maxair (pirbuterol). Common side effects include increased heart rate or palpitations, upset stomach, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Corticosteroids
These medications are a class of steroid hormones that are useful in treating inflammatory conditions. They mimic the effects of hormones your body naturally produces in your adrenal glands and suppress inflammation. Deltasone (prednisone) is one of the more common corticosteroids used to treat bronchitis, especially if you have underlying asthma or COPD. If you take a corticosteroid, you may experience high blood pressure, weight gain, and mood swings.
Mucoactive agents (expectorants)
This is a class of drugs that aids in the clearing of mucus from the upper and lower airways, including the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. One of the more common brands in this drug class is Mucinex (guaifenesin). Common side effects include nausea and vomiting.
Cough suppressants (antitussives)
Cough medicine can relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Triaminic Cold and Cough and Vicks 44 Cough and Cold are two common cough suppressant brands that contain dextromethorphan. These drugs act on the part of the brain that controls the urge to cough. Common side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Antihistamines
You can take antihistamines to reduce the allergic reaction you may experience from allergic bronchitis. These drugs prevent histamine, a chemical released in your body when it detects a harmful substance, from affecting the cells in your body. Popular antihistamine drugs include Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine). If you have acute bronchitis, you should avoid taking antihistamines as they can dry up secretions and make your cough worse.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics treat infections by killing the bacteria that caused them. Occasionally, antibiotics are prescribed to treat chronic bronchitis exacerbations caused by bacterial infections. Doxycycline and amoxicillin are a couple examples of antibiotics used to treat bronchitis. Macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin are used for less common cases of bronchitis caused by pertussis (whooping cough). Side effects of antibiotics may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or mild skin rash.
What is the best medication for bronchitis?
The best medication for bronchitis depends on patients’ medical conditions, medical history, and medications they may already be taking that could interact with bronchitis medication as well as response to treatment. Talk to your doctor about which medication is safe for you.
| Best medications for bronchitis | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Drug Class | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | How It Works | Most Common Side Effects |
| Advil (ibuprofen) | NSAID | Oral | 200-400 mg tablet every 4–6 hours as needed | It works by reducing hormones that cause pain and inflammation in the body. | Headache, heartburn, nausea |
| Xopenex (levalbuterol hydrochloride solution) | Bronchodilator | Inhalation | 0.63 mg administered via nebulizer three times a day, every 6-8 hours | It relaxes muscles in the airways and increases the air flow to the lungs. | Fast heartbeat, nervousness |
| Deltasone (prednisone) | Corticosteroid | Oral | 20 mg tablet taken with food 1–4 times a day | Steroid drugs lower the activity of the immune system and decrease inflammation. | Dizziness, headache, irritability |
| Mucinex (guaifenesin ER) | Mucoactive agent | Oral | 600 mg tablet every 12 hours | It thins the mucus in your body’s air passages. | Nausea, vomiting |
| Vicks Dayquil Cough (dextromethorphan) | Cough suppressant | Oral | 20 mg every 4 hours | It works by inhibiting a coordinating region for coughing located in the brain stem, disrupting the cough reflex | Drowsiness, slowed breathing |
| Amoxil (amoxicillin) | Antibiotic | Oral | 500 mg capsule every 8–12 hours as directed by your doctor | This penicillin antibiotic fights bacteria. | Headache, nausea, diarrhea |
| Claritin (loratadine) | Antihistamine | Oral | 10 mg tablet once a day | It calms the histamine reaction your body has when exposed to an allergen. | Headache, fatigue |
Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
Common side effects of bronchitis medicine
Some common side effects of bronchitis medicine include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Certain drug classes, like corticosteroids, may cause weight gain and mood swings, while bronchodilators may cause heart palpitations and an upset stomach.
Note: This is not a full list of side effects. Talk to a healthcare professional for a complete list of possible adverse events and drug interactions.
Best home remedies for bronchitis
In addition to taking medicine, there are a few home remedies that can help when you have bronchitis:
- Use a humidifierThe moisture from a humidifier can help loosen the mucus in your chest and help you breathe better. Add a drop or two of eucalyptus essential oil to your humidifier to help clear your passageways. Make sure to clean your humidifier out every day to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside the appliance.
- Gargle with saltwaterGargling with salt water can get rid of some of the mucus that coats and irritates your throat. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle the mixture for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Sip on ginger teaThe ginger root has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe your throat.
- Coat your throat with honeyEat a tablespoon of honey by itself or mix it in with some herbal tea to help relieve an irritating cough and sore throat.
- Avoid irritantsStay away from irritants like smoke, toxic fumes, dust, allergens, and air pollution. If you work around these substances, wear a mask to prevent inhaling these substances.
- Take supplementsStudies show that vitamin D deficiency may be linked with bronchitis risk and severity. Vitamin D supplementation may help shorten the duration of bronchitis. Additionally, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may help thin out mucus and reduce chronic bronchitis symptoms. The use of supplements is still being researched and is not monitored by the FDA so be sure to consult a doctor before taking them.
- RestTry to get as much rest as you can the first few days after your diagnosis.
- Drink clear fluidsWhen you have bronchitis, it’s important to loosen the mucus in your chest so you can breathe more easily. Aim to drink eight to 12 glasses of water, herbal tea, or distilled juice every day—and stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
For long-term lifestyle changes, consider the following:
- Stop smokingSmoking can irritate your respiratory system and lead to future instances of bronchitis.
- Eat a healthier dietTry to create a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
- Exercise at least three times a weekWhen you exercise, aim to work out for a minimum of 20 minutes each time.
- Protect your airwaysWear a surgical mask if you’re exposed to pollutants on a regular basis.
Frequently asked questions about bronchitis
How do doctors treat bronchitis?
For acute bronchitis, your doctor will typically prescribe rest and plenty of fluids. If you have a high fever or a sore throat, you can also take an NSAID such as ibuprofen to help with any pain and inflammation. If you have chronic bronchitis, treatment could involve inhaled agents to open airways, steroids to reduce inflammation, and in severe cases, oxygen therapy to help you breathe more easily.
Do you need antibiotics for bronchitis?
You do not need antibiotics for acute bronchitis since most cases of acute bronchitis are viral. However, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor if you have chronic bronchitis, as they can treat flare-ups caused by bacterial infections.
How long does bronchitis last?
On average, bronchitis lasts for two to three weeks, but it can last for up to 90 days. However, the cough you develop during bronchitis can last for four weeks or more. Chronic bronchitis can last for months, sometimes years.
How can acute bronchitis be treated?
Acute bronchitis can be treated with rest, fluids, a cough suppressant, and a pain reliever. You may also treat acute bronchitis with home remedies, like using a humidifier, gargling salt water, or drinking tea with honey.
What are some treatments for chronic bronchitis?
Some treatments for chronic bronchitis include bronchodilator medications, steroids, oxygen therapy, surgery, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Is there over-the-counter medicine for bronchitis?
Yes, there are over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, that can reduce inflammation, lower your fever, and help with pain and swelling.