Bronchitis treatment

Among 3,841 participants, there was no statistically significant difference in general improvement as assessed by clinicians at follow-up (relative risk [RR] = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.2). This outcome integrated a mix of patient-reported measures from the individual trials (e.g., reduction in severity scores, reported global improvement, decreased limitations, resolution of moderate to severe symptoms). Patients treated with antibiotics were less likely to report cough (RR = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5 to 0.9; number needed to treat = 6; n = 275). There was also an overall reduction in days with impaired activity (0.5 days; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.9; n = 767) and days of feeling ill (0.6 days; 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.2; n = 809). Caveats: The quality of trials was reported as “generally good”. The 17 studies varied in outcomes measured and time of follow-up, and some reported only on the duration of symptoms. There appeared to be a modest statistical effect of antibiotics on some symptom-related outcomes, but these benefits were slight, raising the question of clinical significance. No benefit was found for the global measure of improvement at follow-up (n = 3,481). The most recently conducted study included in the review (n = 2,061) showed that neither duration of “moderately bad” or “worse” symptoms, nor mean symptom severity, differed between those who received antibiotics and those who did not. Cough and combined-symptom outcomes were not evaluated separately in this trial, so the results coul...

Although this upper respiratory infection may last longer than the common cold, it usually doesn't warrant antibiotics or medical treatment. Image: decade3d/iStock We all know the common cold very well; the average adult has several every year. "Chest colds," or bronchitis episodes, are much less frequent, affecting only 5% of adults per year. Perhaps because bronchitis is accompanied by a What is bronchitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi—the tubes leading from the trachea, or windpipe, to the lungs. Bronchitis often begins as an infection in your nose, sinuses, ears, or throat, and moves into the bronchi.

If you’ve got a weird-sounding cough, or develop a cough after a cold and know that you’ve been exposed to whooping cough or that it’s actively spreading in your community, you should call your healthcare provider. Note, however, that they may not want you to come into the office, because whooping cough is highly contagious. • Make sure to get good rest and take care of yourself while you’re sick. • Drink plenty of fluids. • If you’re stuffy, try a humidifier, saline nasal spray, or breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower. • Honey (in hot water or straight) might help soothe a cough or sore throat, but never give honey to a child under 1 year of age. • Popsicles, lozenges, and hard candies can help with a sore throat. • Ask your healthcare provider if a cough medicine or mucus-busting over-the-counter medicine is appropriate. • Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with body aches and a sore throat or chest. Make sure to check with your practitioner about the best options and dosage for yourself or your child. Side Effects Besides not being effective against the usual viral causes of bronchitis, the risk of side effects is another reason that antibiotics are not commonly used to treat bronchitis. The Cochrane report mentioned above found that patients given antibiotics were more likely to have side effects from them. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Kincaid S, Long NA. Am Fam Physician. • Park JY, Park S, Lee SH, Lee MG, Park YB, et al. PLOS...

Acute Bronchitis in Children What is acute bronchitis in children? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes (bronchi) in the lungs. The illness can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute bronchitis means that the symptoms often develop quickly and don’t last long. Most cases are mild. What causes acute bronchitis in a child? Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection. It may also be caused by bacteria or things such as dust, allergens, strong fumes, or tobacco smoke. In children, the most common cause of acute bronchitis is a virus. The illness may develop after a cold or other viral infection in the nose, mouth, or throat (upper respiratory tract). Such illnesses can spread easily from direct contact with a person who is sick. Which children are at risk for acute bronchitis? Children who have a higher chance of developing acute bronchitis are those who have: • Chronic sinusitis • Allergies • Asthma • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids • Exposure to secondhand smoke What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis in a child? These are the most common symptoms: • Dry or mucus-filled cough • Vomiting or gagging • Runny nose, often before a cough starts • Chest congestion or pain • An overall body discomfort or not feeling well • Chills • Slight fever • Back and muscle pain • Wheezing • Sore throat These symptoms often last 7 to 14 days. But the cough may continue for 3 to 4 weeks. These symptoms may look like other health problems. Make su...