What is treatment for bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis

- Rest

- Fluids

- Water is generally recommended. Hot liquids like tea and soup may also be helpful.

- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

- This can help reduce fever and aches.

- Cough suppressants or expectorants

- These can be used if a cough is severe

- Avoid giving cough suppressants to children under 6

Chronic bronchitis

- Quitting smoking

- Medications

- Inhaled corticosteroids

- Bronchodilators

- Antibiotics are not typically used, unless a person also has a bacterial infection

- Pulmonary rehabilitation

- Exercise, education, and support

- Oxygen therapy

- May be needed for people with severe COPD

- Surgery

- In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue from the lungs