How is bronchitis treated? Medication, antibiotics, cough suppressants or expectorants.

In uncomplicated course of the disease, symptomatic treatment is deployed. Bed rest, plenty of fluids and vitamins are recommended.

Antibiotics are given only if the condition does not improve (persistent fever, cough) and the results of laboratory and microbiological examinations have confirmed bacterial superinfection.

What antibiotics are used to treat bronchitis?

The most commonly used are aminopenicillins (amoxicillin) that act as beta-lactamase inhibitors (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid). Tetracyclines or cephalosporins may also be used.

If the infection is caused by bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydophila sp.), macrolides and tetracyclines are used.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis is based on lifestyle modification (quitting smoking), regular physical activity and limiting exposure to pollutants at work and in the outdoor environment.

Cough treatments:

1. EXPECTORANTS

The group of expectorants is divided into two subgroups: expectorants and mucolytics. In practice, we do not distinguish a well-defined boundary between these subgroups. Many drugs in the expectorant subgroup also have a mucolytic effect. 

• Expectorants

Expectorants are defined as drugs that increase hydration and mucus secretion volume.

• Mucolytics

They change the properties of mucus, i.e. reduce its viscosity and improve airway patency.

2. ANTITUSSIVES

Antitussives are characterized as medications that are used to suppress coughing. They should only be prescribed when justified. When used unjustifiably, they can cause unwanted sputum retention.

Treating nasal congestion

To relieve a stuffy nose, decongestants are used. These work by relieving the congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa that cause breathing difficulties. Various drops and sprays are available on the market. Examples of active ingredients:

• oxymetazoline
• tramazoline chloride
• xylometazolium chloride

Symptoms of bronchitis include fever, muscle and joint pain. We can use the following medicines to relieve pain and fever:

• ibuprofen - has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect (lowers temperature)
• acetylsalicylic acid – has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect
• paracetamol – has analgesic and antipyretic effect

You can buy various teas at the pharmacy to help treat bronchitis:

• Bronchial tea with eucalyptus
• Tea with mallow
• Bronchial herbal tea

Treating bronchitis in pregnancy

Bronchitis does not bypass pregnant women either. They should be careful what treatment they choose and should consult their doctor.

Most over-the-counter medicines that are designed to treat cough are unsuitable for pregnant women.

Home remedies for the treatment of bronchitis

Thyme, ginger and turmeric tea

• 1 teabag of green tea,
• 1/3 teaspoon thyme,
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger,
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric,
• 2 teaspoons honey,
• juice of half a lemon.

Lemon-garlic tea

• 6 lemons
• 30 cloves of garlic

Home remedies for bronchitis - compresses

Onion wrap

• 2 onions,
• 1 tablespoon wine vinegar,
• 2 tablespoons rye flour,
• 2 tablespoons olive oil,
• 1 tablespoons dried juniper berries (crushed).

Herbs for the treatment of bronchitis