Bronchitis (cont.)

The treatment of acute bronchitis is geared toward prevention, control, and relief of symptoms (supportive care). In some cases, the following is all that is needed:

• drink plenty of fluids to maintain proper hydration (avoiding dehydration and humidify air); and
• use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen to treat fever and decrease the inflammatory resposne.

The treatments section above covers those actions that can usually be done at home. However, people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure should be careful to choose those products approved for patients with high blood pressure because some cough/cold formulations may further increase a person's blood pressure to elevated or dangerous levels. People with diabetes should also choose cough and cold products that will not affect their blood glucose levels. If individuals are unsure which products are safe, they should contact their primary health care practitioner for advice.

For patients with underlying lung disease such as asthma or COPD, increased use of albuterol or similar inhaled medications may be indicated. However, the health care practitioner should be contacted when a patient considers altering their medication usage.

Acute bronchitis usually resolves spontaneously (about 2-3 weeks) with supportive care. If wheezing and shortness of breath occurs the patient should seek medical care.

In patients who have underlying lung conditions, the inflammation can cause lung tissue to function improperly. Pneumonia or infection of the lung tissue itself may develop.

REFERENCES:

eMedicine.com; "Bronchitis, Acute and Chronic."

eMedicineHealth.com; "Bronchitis."

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Braumwald E, Fauci AS, et al. 17th Edition. 2007. McGraw Hill

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/2009

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/bronchitis/article.htm