From the Guidelines
Home treatment for bronchitis primarily focuses on relieving symptoms while your body fights the infection, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting no routine prescription of antibiotic therapy, antiviral therapy, antitussives, inhaled beta agonists, inhaled anticholinergics, inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, or oral NSAIDs until such treatments have been shown to be safe and effective at making cough less severe or resolve sooner 1.
Key Recommendations
- Rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids (8-12 cups daily) to thin mucus secretions and make them easier to cough up.
- Over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever and discomfort at recommended doses on packaging, and guaifenesin (Mucinex) to thin mucus.
- For cough relief, try dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) but only use it if the cough interferes with sleep, as coughing helps clear the airways.
- Use a humidifier or take steamy showers to moisten airways and loosen mucus.
- Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke and air pollution.
- Honey (1-2 teaspoons) can soothe throat irritation and suppress coughing, but don't give it to children under one year.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- High fever (above 100.4°F)
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Symptoms lasting longer than three weeks
- Underlying conditions like COPD or asthma that might complicate recovery It's essential to note that most cases of acute bronchitis are viral and resolve within 1-2 weeks without antibiotics, and the use of antibiotics should be considered only if a complicating bacterial infection is thought likely 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive. temporarily relieves • cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants The home treatment options for bronchitis include:
- Using guaifenesin to loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions, making coughs more productive 2
- Using dextromethorphan to temporarily relieve cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation 3
From the Research
Home Treatment Options for Bronchitis
- The primary goal of home treatment for bronchitis is to manage symptoms and support the body's natural recovery process 4, 5.
- Non-pharmacological measures such as smoking cessation and chest physiotherapy can help decrease mucus hypersecretion and improve symptoms 5.
- Pharmacological interventions, including expectorants like guaifenesin, can help loosen mucus and improve clearance of accumulated secretions from the airways 4, 5.
- Guaifenesin is considered a safe and effective expectorant for the treatment of mucus-related symptoms in acute upper respiratory tract infections and stable chronic bronchitis 4.
- The dosing range for guaifenesin is 200-400 mg every 4 hours, up to 6 times daily, with extended-release formulations available for 12-hourly dosing 4.
Antibiotic Treatment
- Antibiotics may be prescribed for non-severe respiratory exacerbations in children with bronchiectasis, with amoxicillin-clavulanate and azithromycin being effective options 6.
- A study found that amoxicillin-clavulanate treatment was beneficial in terms of resolution of non-severe exacerbations of bronchiectasis in children, with a number-needed-to-treat of 5 6.
- Azithromycin was also found to be effective, with a number-needed-to-treat of 6 6.
Additional Considerations
- It is essential to note that the treatment of bronchitis should be individualized and guided by a healthcare professional 4, 5, 6.
- Patients should follow the recommended dosage and treatment duration for any prescribed medication, and report any adverse events or concerns to their healthcare provider 6.