
- Drink fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and lower your fever. ...
- Increase the humidity in your home or use a humidifier.
Medication
Home remedies for bronchitis
- Ginger. Chew dried, crystallized ginger. Use fresh ginger to make tea. ...
- Garlic. Garlic is believed to have a number of healing properties. This finding suggests garlic can be used as a natural remedy for bronchitis.
- Turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa. ...
- Steam. Steam helps break up mucus so you can expel it more easily. ...
Nutrition
To help you feel better, you may want to try the following self-care measures:
- Avoid lung irritants. Don't smoke. ...
- Use a humidifier. Warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens mucus in your airways. ...
- Consider a face mask outside. If cold air aggravates your cough and causes shortness of breath, put on a cold-air face mask before you go outside.
What is the best natural remedy for bronchitis?
Most people get over an acute bout of bronchitis in two to three weeks, although the cough can sometimes hang on for four weeks or more. If you're in otherwise good health, your lungs will return...
What helps you feel better when you have bronchitis?
“Mucinex works great for colds and to help get the nasty stuff up before it takes root in the lungs, but for Bronchitis you will definitely need something much stronger (see a doctor) unless you want to be sick for about 4 weeks.” Was this helpful?
How long does bronchitis take to go away?
Does Mucinex help with bronchitis?

What causes inflammation of the bronchi?
Bronchitis happens when a virus, bacteria, or irritant particles trigger an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Smoking is a key risk factor, but nonsmokers can also develop bronchitis.
How long does it take for bronchial inflammation to go away?
Most people get over an acute bout of bronchitis in two to three weeks, although the cough can sometimes hang on for four weeks or more. If you're in otherwise good health, your lungs will return to normal after you've recovered from the initial infection.
What is good for a bronchial infection?
Symptoms can be treated using a variety of methods, including drugs, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, surgery, or a combination of these. Your doctor might prescribe a mucus clearing device, also called an airway clearance device, to help you bring up mucus easily.
What is the best anti-inflammatory for bronchitis?
Medications. While there is no medication that treats acute bronchitis specifically, certain over-the-counter medicines may provide some relief from symptoms: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
What are 3 symptoms of bronchitis?
SymptomsCough.Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood.Fatigue.Shortness of breath.Slight fever and chills.Chest discomfort.
How can I treat bronchitis naturally?
Luckily, there are home remedies that can help ease acute and chronic bronchitis.Using a humidifier. ... Drinking warm liquids. ... Wearing a face mask in cold weather. ... Honey. ... Pursed-lip breathing techniques. ... Essential oils. ... Ginseng extract. ... N-acetylcysteine (NAC)More items...
How can I get rid of bronchitis without antibiotics?
Can you treat bronchitis at home?Get plenty of sleep and take time to slow down and let your body recover.Drink plenty of fluids, including water, tea, and chicken soup.Use a humidifier or steam to help break up mucus.Take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.More items...
How can I make bronchitis go away faster?
If you smoke, you should quit. It will help your bronchial tubes heal faster....Acute bronchitis treatmentDrink fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.Get plenty of rest.Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and lower your fever. ... Increase the humidity in your home or use a humidifier.
Does Vicks help with bronchitis?
To help suppress the cough associated with bronchitis, rub on a topical cough suppressant ointment such as Vicks VapoRub, suggests Rachel Schreiber, MD.
What does a bronchitis cough sound like?
A bronchitis cough sounds like a rattle with a wheezing or whistling sound. As your condition progresses, you will first have a dry cough that can then progress towards coughing up white mucus.
What should I eat when I have bronchitis?
Relief for Chronic Bronchitis Diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also eat meats low in fat, chicken, fish, and low-fat or nonfat dairy. Exercise: Along with a good diet, exercise will keep your weight in check. This is a big deal, because more weight makes it harder to breathe.
What helps bronchitis in adults?
Bronchitis TreatmentsDrink a lot of water. Eight to 12 glasses a day helps thin out your mucus and makes it easier to cough it up.Get plenty of rest.Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen treat pain. ... Use a humidifier or steam. ... Take over-the-counter cough medicines.
How do you know when bronchitis is getting better?
Generally, you should be feeling better from acute bronchitis within a week or two, though you may have a lingering cough and fatigue for three weeks or more. The types of viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis will usually have been in your system from two to six days before you start feeling cold symptoms.
Will bronchitis go away without antibiotics?
Most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. Acute bronchitis usually goes away without medical intervention within several weeks. If you have symptoms which do not improve or worsen, see your doctor. That may be a sign of chronic bronchitis.
Will bronchitis heal on its own?
Can bronchitis go away on its own? Acute bronchitis can clear up on its own once the infection that caused it subsides. Chronic bronchitis, however, can't be cured. It's included under the umbrella of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and needs to be managed with lifelong treatments and lifestyle changes.
Why is it important to treat bronchitis?
They’ll help you work out a plan for managing your condition. It’s important to treat chronic bronchitis because it leaves you vulnerable to other health complications.
What to do if your bronchitis does not improve?
If your symptoms do not improve with home care, or if you frequently develop bronchitis, see your doctor. You may need more aggressive treatment, or you may have chronic bronchitis. Last medically reviewed on June 2, 2017.
Why do bronchial tubes get irritated?
When this damage occurs, your bronchial tubes become irritated and begin to produce too much mucus in an effort to coat the irritation .
What is the respiratory disease caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, and other particles?
Overview. Bronchitis is a common respiratory disease caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants such as smoke, and other particles that aggravate the bronchial tubes. These tubes bring air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. You may be able to treat acute bronchitis on your own without medical treatment.
How long does it take for bronchitis to heal?
In many causes, symptoms improve within two weeks. It’s important to treat your symptoms at the first sign of them to ensure a rapid recovery. With proper self-care, you should be able to bounce back quickly. But if the bronchitis worsens and your lungs sound congested, seek medical advice.
Does pineapple juice help with bronchitis?
Pineapple juice may also help. Pineapple contains bromelain, which is a natural and powerful anti-inflammatory that can help you break up and expel mucus from bronchitis and other respiratory infections.
Can bronchitis be cured?
Illnesses that are caused by viruses — including acute bronchitis — can’t be cured. There are medications you can take to help treat your symptoms or make yourself more comfortable, but they generally won’t speed up the healing process.
Why is my bronchial spasm getting worse?
If you have bronchial spasms that are getting worse, it may be a sign that the underlying cause is getting worse too or is no longer responding to treatment. For example, it may be a sign that your asthma is poorly controlled.
What is bronchial spasm?
What are bronchial spasms? When you breathe, air travels through your throat and trachea, which is also known as your windpipe. Then it travels into and out of your bronchial tubes. These tubes extend into your lungs and branch into smaller air passages.
Why do my bronchial tubes constrict?
If you have allergy-induced asthma, your bronchial tubes will constrict when you inhale substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
Why does my cough narrow?
Depending on the cause of your bronchial spasms, your bronchial glands may also produce more mucus. This can contribute to your cough and make your airways even narrower.
What are the causes of asthma?
Common allergens include plant pollens, pet dander, and dust. Nonallergic asthma can be triggered by irritants such as air pollution, cigarette or wood-fire smoke, fumes from household cleaning products, or very cold air. Exercise can also trigger an asthma attack in some people.
What is the condition where the air sacs in your lungs become damaged or destroyed?
Emphysema is another disease that falls under the umbrella of COPD. In this condition, the tiny air sacs in your lungs become damaged or destroyed. This impairs their ability to fill with air and deflate properly.
Can bronchial spasms affect exercise?
Bronchial spasms limit your ability to exercise. Over time, this can have far-reaching effects on your fitness and overall health, which depends on your ability to be physically active. Serious bronchial spasms can also limit the amount of oxygen that you inhale.
How to get rid of bronchitis?
Relief for Acute Bronchitis. You can start with these basic steps: Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Try eight to 12 glasses a day to help thin out that mucus and make it easier to cough up. If you have kidney failure or heart failure, your doctor may be restricting your fluids.
How to breathe out mucus from bronchitis?
First, take a deep breath in. Then, purse your lips like you’re about to kiss someone and breathe out slowly through your mouth. This type of breathing props your airways open and may make it easier for you to clear out thick mucus with a good cough.
What to do if you have a cough and you have phlegm?
if your cough is think and you are having trouble getting the phlegm out, try guaifenesin over the counter ( it comes as a pill or liquid) to loosen it up. Relief for Chronic Bronchitis. Chronicx bronchitis is long term inflammation of the bronchi and is common among smokers.
How to avoid colds and flu?
Try to avoid colds and flu: Do your best to keep your distance from people who have a cold or the flu, and wash your hands often. Get an annual flu shot.
How long does it take for bronchitis to go away?
There are two types of bronchitis -- “acute” and “chronic.”. Acute bronchitis is more common and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Chronic bronchitis keeps coming back or doesn’t go away at all. It is almost always caused by smoking.
What to do instead of cough medicine?
Instead of cough medicine, you can: Take throat lozenges that don’t have medicine in them (Avoid these with young children as they could cause choking.). Try a mixture of honey and lemon or a spoonful of honey (Don’t give honey to children under 1 year old).
Why do you wear a mask when you cough?
Wear a mask if cold air triggers your cough or makes you short of breath.
How to treat bronchitis?
When a bacterial infection is the cause , antibiotics may be used as well. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is managed with medications that decrease inflammation of the bronchi, such as inhaled or oral steroids, as well as lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation.
How is bronchitis treated?
Acute and chronic bronchitis are treated with fundamentally different approaches, although there are a few treatments that can be used for both conditions. Overall, the cornerstone of therapy for both forms is based on improving comfort, promoting optimal breathing, and reducing the cough.
Why is bronchitis important during pregnancy?
Bronchitis requires special attention during pregnancy due to concerns about the health of the developing fetus and changes in the maternal immune system that may increase susceptibility to infection. 15 Although rare, a viral infection can lead to complications during pregnancy that can affect both parent and baby.
What is the best medicine for cough?
Cough medications: Cough suppressants or expectorants may be helpful if your cough is dry or unproductive. If you have a persistent cough with chronic bronchitis, your healthcare provider may give you a prescription cough suppressant.
What is CAM in bronchitis?
Complementary Medicine (CAM) There are a number of alternative therapies used for bronchitis. A few have been subjected to research, with limited results: Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus may possess antiviral properties; using the oil with eucalyptus steam inhalation may decrease some of the symptoms of acute bronchitis.
How to relieve chest pain from bronchitis?
Use decongestants only if they relieve your symptoms, and for no longer than a few days at a time. Pain relievers: Pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve the chest pain and soreness that you may experience from coughing when you have bronchitis.
What is the best medication for bronchitis?
Most of the time, your doctor will recommend prescription-strength medication that has a more lasting effect for chronic bronchitis. Decongestants: Decongestants such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Afrin (oxymetazoline) loosen and help drain the mucus that may be in your sinuses, making it easier for you to breathe.
What to do when you have bronchitis?
One of the most important things to do when you have bronchitis is to avoid things that will irritate your lungs.
What are some medications that help with inflammation in the airways?
Steroid medications: Some patients benefit from prescription steroid medications, which ease inflammation in the airways.
How to clear sinuses?
Use a saline nasal spray or neti pot to flush your sinuses. “Even if symptoms are in the chest, most people have some congestion as well. Nasal saline helps clear out mucus and also hydrates your tissues,” Dr. Ford says. Gargling with salt water can also soothe and hydrate a sore throat.
How long does bronchitis last?
If you are battling bronchitis, expect your cough to last several frustrating weeks. Bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus. That means antibiotics won’t help, and there’s not much you can do to speed up the recovery process. Still, people try all sorts of things to help ease symptoms. Some work well.
How to get rid of a deep cough?
Steam. When you have a deep cough, it feels like you can’t clear the gunk from your lungs. Steam helps loosen the mucus so you can get rid of it. If you belong to a health club, this is definitely your chance to hit up the sauna. Or just turn on the shower in your own bathroom and let the room get steamy.
What to do for lingering cough?
Here’s the scoop on 7 common remedies for your lingering cough. Advertising Policy. 1. Medicine. While there’s no cure for bronchitis, medicine can help ease symptoms, Dr. Ford says: Cough expectorant: Look for meds with guaifenesin, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines.
Can cough suppressant be used for hacking?
It’s an expectorant, meaning it helps loosen mucus. Cough suppressant: Other OTC cough medicines can suppress your hacking — an especially useful trick if your cough is keeping you up at night. For really stubborn coughs, doctors can prescribe prescription cough medicines.
What to do if you have bronchitis?
Do you have shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, greenish discharge, fatigue, body aches, and a little fever?
What is the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?
While bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and inflames the bronchi which fill with mucus, pneumonia does not affect the upper airways but directly to the alveoli of the lungs.
What essential oils help with bronchitis?
Essential oils to help relieve symptoms of bronchitis include eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and cinnamon oil.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis occurs when infections or irritants cause your bronchial tubes to become inflamed. The bronchial tubes are delicate air passages that connect your throat to your lungs. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic report that irritated air passages can cause you to bring up discolored phlegm and mucus. Constricted airways can also make breathing difficult and you may even start wheezing and coughing. 1
How to get rid of a cough with essential oils?
Some of the best ones to use are cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, clove oil, and lemongrass oil.
What causes a buildup of mucus in the airways?
Bronchitis and asthma are both conditions that cause inflammation in the airways. Respiratory inflammation from bronchitis and asthma constricts the airways, makes it harder to breathe and may result in spasms in your respiratory muscles. The inflammation causes mild to severe coughing and a buildup of excess mucus.
Why does my bronchitis turn green?
The most common type of viral infection is influenza or rhinovirus. Both of these cause flu and cold symptoms. Sometimes, bacterial infections can be to blame for a cough that brings up green or yellow phlegm. 3.
How to make coughing easier?
Doctors from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute say that inhaling steam can help to break up mucus and make it easier to cough up. Steam or a humidifier also helps to relieve constricted airways and make breathing easier. You should also get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to ease your bronchitis symptoms. 2
How to make a diffuser for bronchitis?
Here is the bronchitis essential oil diffuser recipe: Put 5 drops of tea tree oil, 5 drops of cinnamon oil, and 5 drops of lemongrass oil in your diffuser.
Can I buy medication over the counter?
Yes, some medications to help manage mild symptoms are available over the counter. These include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, common cough and cold products, soothing teas, and more. Be sure to speak with a doctor before taking any OTC products, including supplements, herbs, or vitamins.
How effective are medications?
Medications to treat causes of lung inflammation are effective depending on your specific condition and how soon you receive treatment. For types of chronic lung inflammation, it’s important to take your medication regularly.
Is lung inflammation contagious?
Yes, some causes of lung inflammation are contagious. Infectious causes of lung inflammation from bacteria (pneumonia, tuberculosis) or viruses (influenza, COVID-19) are contagious. Other forms caused by autoimmune or genetic causes of lung inflammation aren’t contagious.
