How many days of IV treatment are required for acute bronchitis?

Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
Updated on December 28, 2024
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Acute bronchitis is mostly caused by viral infections, and there is generally no specific medication for it. Therefore, patients with acute bronchitis usually do not need IV therapy. However, if a patient with acute bronchitis also has significant gastrointestinal symptoms, poor appetite, or even drinks less water, IV therapy is needed. The purpose of IV therapy is not to treat the virus but to hydrate the patient and prevent dehydration. Of course, when a patient with acute bronchitis has purulent sputum, it indicates a bacterial infection. In this case, IV therapy can be considered. The usual treatment duration for acute bacterial bronchitis is 5-7 days, but this must also take into account the patient's specific conditions and results of tests like the complete blood count, and cannot be generalized.

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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.

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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to manage acute bronchitis

First, it is important to rest in bed during the acute phase, drink plenty of water, keep warm, and the main principle is to control the infection and provide symptomatic treatment. For instance, patients with significant fever and those whose sputum has turned purulent should choose antibiotics early, such as intramuscular penicillin injections or oral co-trimoxazole. Generally, the medication can be stopped 1-3 days after the fever subsides. For symptomatic treatment, antipyretic analgesics such as aspirin can be used to address symptoms like fever, headache, and general fatigue. Regularly, one should strengthen their cold resistance through exercise, it is suggested to wash the face with cold water throughout the year, and to exercise more to boost immune capabilities. Pay attention to environmental hygiene, improve occupational and public health standards. Prevent the inhalation of irritant gases and dust into the respiratory tract. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
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Is acute bronchitis curable?

Acute bronchitis is a relatively common clinical condition. Patients often experience symptoms such as coughing and expectoration. Some may have chest tightness, shortness of breath, blood in sputum, and fever. Generally, after contracting acute bronchitis, it is important to rest, stay hydrated, avoid fatigue, and avoid getting chilled. Regarding medications, if there is a cough without sputum, cough suppressants can be used. If there is excessive sputum, expectorants should be used. For chest tightness and shortness of breath, asthma medication is needed, and antipyretic analgesics are used for fever to relieve symptoms. Additionally, if there is evidence of bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment should be used under the guidance of a physician and not purchased privately. Generally, with the aforementioned treatments, most patients can be cured with a good prognosis.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Acute bronchitis can generally be diagnosed by combining clinical symptoms and corresponding auxiliary examinations. Common symptoms initially include fever, headache, and sore throat, followed by cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sputum production, and wheezing. Routine blood tests, C-reactive protein, and mycoplasma tests are necessary, along with a chest X-ray. The X-ray may reveal increased and thickened pulmonary markings, confirming the diagnosis of this disease. Antibacterial drugs are selected based on the infecting pathogen, and symptomatic treatment is administered.