Heart failure. Treatment for people with these health problems depends on their condition. How well do antibiotics work to treat acute bronchitis? How can you treat acute bronchitis without antibiotics? Here are some things you can try that may help you feel better: Relieve your cough by drinking fluids, using cough drops, and avoiding things like smoke that can irritate your lungs.
Get enough rest so that your body has the energy it needs to fight the virus. You'll feel better sooner if you rest more than usual while you have acute bronchitis.
Try over-the counter medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve fever and body aches.
Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Why might your doctor recommend taking antibiotics? Your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics for acute bronchitis if: You are at risk for pneumonia. Your condition hasn't gotten better in 14 to 21 days.
You have COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, or heart failure. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis Don't take antibiotics. Compare Option 2 Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis Don't take antibiotics. Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis You take the antibiotic medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Don't stop taking it just because you feel better. You'll need to take the full course of antibiotics. Antibiotics may shorten the length of time you have a cough by about a day. Antibiotics may be helpful to treat acute bronchitis if you also have other health problems, such as: COPD. Other long-term breathing problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Antibiotics don't help a night cough or a cough with mucus. And they don't improve your quality of life. The antibiotic may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it. Side effects from antibiotics include: Diarrhea. Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting. Mouth sores. Skin rash. Increased sensitivity to sun. Vaginal yeast infection. Don't take antibiotics Don't take antibiotics You try home treatment to relieve your cough, such as drinking fluids and using cough drops.
You take over-the-counter medicines to relieve fever and body aches. You may reduce your cough with home treatment. You avoid the cost and side effects of antibiotics. You avoid promoting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If you have acute bronchitis but no other health problems, choosing not to take antibiotics poses no risk.
If you have acute bronchitis and other health problems such as COPD, asthma, or heart failure, your risk of getting pneumonia is higher if you don't take antibiotics. Personal stories about taking antibiotics for acute bronchitis These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers.
What matters most to you? Reasons to take antibiotics Reasons not to take antibiotics. I just have acute bronchitis. I want to try home treatment to relieve my cough. I'm not worried about the side effects of antibiotics. I don't want to deal with the side effects of antibiotics.
I don't want to take antibiotics if I don't really need them. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Taking antibiotics NOT taking antibiotics. What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts. Yes Sorry, that's not right. Antibiotics kill bacteria or slow or stop their growth. But since acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus and not by bacteria, antibiotics don't work very well to treat it.
No You're right. I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. But since acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, antibiotics aren't the best treatment for it. Symptoms that last for longer than a couple of weeks could indicate chronic bronchitis, and this will require a trip to the doctor. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes the small air sacs in the lung, or alveoli, to become inflamed and fill with fluid.
This makes it harder for the lungs to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. People with pneumonia should see a doctor for treatment. The condition can become severe in older people and may require hospitalization. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to breathe. In some people, certain triggers can bring on bouts of asthma, such as exposure to irritants in the environment.
It can cause frequent coughing, especially at night. It is important to see a doctor about asthma. They can help a person find the right treatment and identify any triggers of the condition. Allergies occur as a result of the immune system overreacting to a harmless substance, such as pollen or dust.
Coming into contact with these substances can cause a range of symptoms, including:. In the most severe cases, allergies can cause anaphylaxis , which is the rapid and simultaneous onset of several symptoms. Anaphylaxis can quickly become severe and requires immediate medical attention. In most cases, allergies do not have a cure. The most effective way to deal with an allergy is to avoid triggers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a chronic condition wherein stomach acid reaches the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
The most common symptom is heartburn , or a burning sensation in the throat that can get worse when lying down. Other symptoms of GERD include:. There is no cure for GERD, but a doctor can make lifestyle recommendations that may help control symptoms. There are also medications available that can reduce discomfort. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is a type of lung disease that affects breathing.
Smoking tobacco is the main cause of COPD. People with COPD can develop other conditions that worsen their symptoms, such as obstructive bronchiolitis or emphysema. Breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath and difficulty exhaling, are the main symptoms of COPD. It is vital to see a doctor about COPD. Treatment will primarily involve giving up smoking and avoiding exposure to smoke or other irritants. Double Your Gift. Your tax-deductible donation funds lung disease and lung cancer research, new treatments, lung health education, and more.
Join over , people who receive the latest news about lung health, including COVID, research, air quality, inspiring stories and resources. Thank you! You will now receive email updates from the American Lung Association. Select your location to view local American Lung Association events and news near you. Our service is free and we are here to help you. Chronic Bronchitis.
Your doctor may refer to your disease as either chronic bronchitis or COPD. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of chronic bronchitis.
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