How to treat bronchitis without antibiotics
GEHA | October 7, 2022
Bronchitis, often called a chest cold, is usually caused by a viral infection. Bronchitis happens when your bronchial tubes, which carry oxygen from your windpipe to your lungs, become inflamed. The lining of the tubes makes mucus, which makes your cough worse. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral infections, so they will not help treat bronchitis.
Symptoms of bronchitis include chest soreness, coughing, fatigue, mild body aches, mild headaches, sore throat and watery eyes. Luckily, most cases of bronchitis can be treated at home with some simple remedies that focus on easing your symptoms.
Some of the best home remedies for bronchitis include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting lots of rest
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and cough medicines
- Increasing the humidity in your home
- Using saline nasal spray and throat lozenges
It is important to avoid antibiotics when fighting bronchitis. Antibiotics save lives, but they aren’t always the answer when you‘re sick. Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Depending on the type of illness, antibiotics can cause more harm than good. Negative side effects of antibiotics can include rash, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Improper or misuse of antibiotics can further lead to a growing number of infections, as it creates resistant bacteria. An antibiotic will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as viral bronchitis.
Remember to wash hands frequently and cover coughs to prevent the spread of your illness.
Sources:
“Antibiotic resistance.” www.who.int, World Health Organization, 13 July 2020.
“Acute bronchitis.” www.familydoctor.org, Family Doctor, February 2021.
“Chest cold (acute bronchitis).” www.cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 August 2019.
Disclaimer: This information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and if you have questions regarding a medical condition, regimen, or treatment you should always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice from a qualified medical professional because of information you have read herein.