Cure for a Bronchial Infection

A respiratory infection that leads to the damage of bronchial tubes is known as bronchitis. Characterized by unpleasant symptoms such as wheezing, phlegm and a persistent cough, bronchial infections are meddlesome and often difficult to treat. If your bronchitis developed due to a bacterial infection, take antibiotics to rid your body of the virus. Unfortunately bronchitis usually results from a viral infection and will not benefit from antibiotics. Usually rest and fluid consumption will help to clear up viral bronchitis without further medical intervention.

Viral Bronchial Infection

• Because antibiotics have no effect on viral bronchitis, your treatment must instead focus on rest and re-building your body's strength. Drink water and eat soup to hydrate your body and eliminate the infection. To treat bacterial bronchitis symptoms, take cold medicine such as Tylenol Cold and Sinus and use a humidifier to help you breathe easier and rid your lungs of phlegm and mucus. Unless your cough is really bothersome, refrain from cough suppressant use. Coughs may annoy you, but each time you cough and release mucus from your lungs, you rid your lungs of bacteria and irritants.

Bacterial Bronchial Infection

• Although bronchitis that results from a bacterial infection is far less common than viral bronchitis, many doctors will prescribe antibiotics just in case your bronchitis resulted from a bacterial infection. Since your doctor may put you on antibiotics when he is not sure whether your bronchitis came from a virus of bacteria, you must rest and drink enough fluids even if you take antibiotics. If you have good reason to believe that your bronchitis came from a viral infection, do not take antibiotics as they carry certain risks and side effects.

Prevention

• Because bronchitis often results from many of the same viruses that cause seasonal colds such as influenza, use similar prevention techniques to avoid bronchial infection. Wash your hands when you come in contact with sick people and after you go the bathroom, especially during the flu season. Get a flu vaccine each fall at your local pharmacy or doctor.

  While acute bronchitis results from immediate infection, chronic (frequent) bronchitis often results from airborne toxins and irritants. Common irritants include tobacco smoke, dust and air pollution. Avoid exposure to these particles to cure and prevent chronic bronchitis.