How is acute bronchitis treated?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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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 An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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The difference between bronchitis and tracheitis.

Bronchitis and tracheitis are not standardized diagnoses. For bronchitis, it often refers to acute bronchitis, while tracheitis often refers to chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is an infectious respiratory disease, which mostly presents with symptoms of coughing, and may also be accompanied by sputum production and chest tightness. However, the condition of the patient is usually completely curable. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a chronic respiratory disease. This condition can manifest as chronic cough, sputum production, and chest tightness, and the patient's condition may progress gradually, even possibly complicating with chronic respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. Therefore, chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis are two completely different diseases. Additionally, it is important to note that sometimes bronchitis may also refer to chronic bronchitis, and tracheitis may also refer to acute bronchitis, so it is impossible to completely distinguish between bronchitis and tracheitis.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Is acute bronchitis serious?

Patients with acute bronchitis usually do not experience severe conditions. Acute bronchitis typically presents symptoms of dry cough and is generally self-limiting, usually not leading to severe consequences. However, it is important to note that patients with acute bronchitis may sometimes experience significant chest tightness and wheezing, which can be particularly prominent in children and may even lead to respiratory failure. Additionally, acute bronchitis can sometimes be associated with other conditions, such as bacterial pneumonia. If combined with bacterial pneumonia, it could also lead to severe complications like respiratory failure. In such cases, the patient's condition is relatively severe, and close observation of the condition is necessary.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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What medicine is used for acute bronchitis?

Generally speaking, two types of medications are needed. One is for symptomatic treatment, and the other is antibiotic therapy. Symptomatic treatment: If there is coughing without sputum or little sputum, cough suppressants can be used. If there is coughing with sputum, expectorants can be chosen. If there are symptoms of chest tightness or shortness of breath, asthma-relieving medications can be used. Fever can be treated with antipyretic and analgesic medications as appropriate. Antibiotic treatment: It can only be used when there is evidence of bacterial infection. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, etc., and these medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of bronchitis

If it is acute bronchitis, the onset is usually quite sudden and symptoms may include fever, cough, and expectoration. Some patients may experience bloody sputum or symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. Coughing and expectoration often continue for two to three weeks, after which most patients can recover. If it is chronic bronchitis, the onset is often gradual, and symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, and wheezing occur repeatedly. The episodes each year may last for more than three months.