How long will acute bronchitis take to get better?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 30, 2024
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Generally, if the disease is detected early and diagnosed, prompt intravenous administration of penicillin antibiotics will lead to recovery in about a week. During the acute phase of inflammation when fever occurs, the diet should consist of liquid or semi-liquid foods, and fever-reducing pain relievers such as compound aspirin or ibuprofen may be taken. If symptoms such as difficulty breathing and wheezing occur, medications like salbutamol or aminophylline can be used to relieve these symptoms, focusing mainly on anti-inflammatory treatment and symptomatic therapy. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Acute bronchitis nursing measures

In cases of acute bronchitis, symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection are usually present, such as cough, phlegm, or soreness and swelling of the throat. Additionally, there may also be symptoms of breathing difficulties or chest tightness. It is advised that everyone actively seeks symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor. If fever is present, it is crucial to manage the fever promptly, drink plenty of water, and promote excretion. If coughing and phlegm are severe, it is important to maintain clear airways and facilitate the expulsion of sputum. Nebulized inhalation methods can also be used to treat and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, drinking more water can help promote excretion. If symptoms of limb soreness and weakness are present, it is time to rest more, avoid overexertion, and appropriate massage may also be beneficial. It’s essential to ensure that indoor air is fresh and that the temperature and humidity are kept at comfortable levels.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is acute bronchitis severe?

Acute bronchitis is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract that requires timely treatment. If not treated promptly, it may turn into chronic bronchitis or cause other complications, which are detrimental to health. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat the disease early. If the infection is due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or diplococcus, intravenous drip of penicillin antibiotics can be administered. During the acute phase, it is also advisable to choose antipyretic medications, as well as medications to dilute sputum and relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms for symptomatic treatment. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Causes of bronchitis

Bronchitis is mostly caused by the invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the body, affecting the bronchi. Common pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, rhinovirus, adenovirus, mycoplasma, chlamydophila, and it might also be due to infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Bordetella. It often occurs when the body's immune system is compromised, due to staying up late, being exposed to cold, lack of sleep, or getting wet in rain. During the acute phase, symptoms such as high fever, chills, coughing, spitting phlegm, and breathing difficulty may occur. It's important to detect and treat it early to prevent it from turning into chronic bronchitis.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What to eat with acute bronchitis

For the diet of acute bronchitis, one should choose light, soft foods that are rich in vitamins and have a higher fiber content, such as fruits and vegetables. During a fever, the diet should primarily consist of liquid or semi-liquid foods, such as vegetable soup, millet porridge, dumpling soup, noodles, etc. Remember, during the acute phase of inflammation, do not consume overly greasy or high-calorie foods, avoid large amounts of meat and fish, and also refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. Drink plenty of water, maintain fresh indoor air, and ensure proper ventilation and disinfection of indoor air.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How is acute bronchitis treated?

Firstly, general treatment involves plenty of rest, drinking water, quitting smoking, avoiding strenuous activities, and so on. Secondly, medication is used, starting with symptomatic treatment. For example, for a cough with little or no phlegm, cough suppressants can be used; for thick sputum, expectorants are needed; antipyretic analgesics can be used for fever; and if there is bronchospasm accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath, asthma medication is necessary. Additionally, the use of antibiotics is dependent on evidence of bacterial infection, and common types such as macrolides, penicillins, and cephalosporins must be used under the guidance of a physician.