Acute bronchitis: what treatments to overcome it?

2023-05-01 16:56:02

The acute bronchitisis usually a mild disease. It simply requires take rest and certain medicines to relieve distressing symptoms such as cough, aches and sometimes fever. Certain actions also promote rapid remission, such as tobacco avoidancea Healthy eating and an sufficient hydration. It is also recommended to stay at home to avoid the cold, the risk of superinfection as well as contaminating other people. Better humidify indoor air (by using an air humidifier for example). Indeed, dry air tends to favor episodes of coughing.

Bronchitis: which non-prescription cough medicines?

At the onset of the disease, a dry cough may appear. It is a natural defense mechanism that allows the body to expel the microbes (bacteria and viruses) responsible for bronchitis. It is therefore not advisable to attempt to suppress the cough. However, if the dry cough becomes troublesome, for example when it affects the quality of sleep, antitussifs in the form of sirops can be offered (Euphon®, Neo-codion®,Padéryl®, Humex dry cough oxomemazine®…). Antitussives should be used for short periods of time and should be stopped when the cough becomes oily. Also, cough suppressants that contain antihistamines (such as oxomemazine) should be taken at night and not during the day because of their sedative effects.

When the cough becomes oily (usually in the days to weeks following the onset of the dry cough), it is possible to use bronchial thinners (Mukhol®, Surbronc®, Broncathiol®, Bronchokod®, Carbocistéine Clarix®, Fluimucil®…). Ces expectorants et mucolytiques can come in different forms (syrups, powders, tablets, etc.). They have the effect of making the mucus (which retains pathogenic microbes) clearer in order to facilitate its elimination during coughing. Taking these drugs should increase the expectoration of secretions and mucus. It is advisable not to take these drugs after 5 p.m. so as not to interfere with sleep.

Finally, the repellents can be administered to facilitate breathing during bronchitis. They come in the form of an ointment to apply to the chest or neck (Bronchodermine®, Vicks Vaporub®): they cause an influx of blood into the superficial blood vessels, which gives a sensation of local heat.

Most of bronchitis treatments are available without a prescription. Nevertheless, these drugs may be contraindicated in children, pregnant women or certain fragile people. It is recommended to read the instructions and seek advice from your pharmacist or the opinion of your doctor.

Acute bronchitis: how to relieve fever?

in case of feverprefer a cool room (between 18 and 20°C) and ventilated and make sure you have regular hydration. Better not to cover up too much. If the fever exceeds 38.5°C, it is recommended to take paracetamol, an effective antipyretic that can be used before the age of 3 months. The dosage is adjusted according to age and weight. Please refer to the instructions. In the event of a contraindication to paracetamol (allergy, severe liver disease, phenylketonuria), it is possible to replace it with ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID) as effective. Use only one type of medicine to lower the fever.

Be careful, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, ketoprofen) should be avoided in children if they show signs of dehydration or have a concomitant condition such as a bacterial infection or chickenpox. In addition, aspirin should not be administered to children without medical advice (risk of Reye’s syndrome).

Acute bronchitis: antibiotics should be avoided

And antibiotic treatment is useless and ineffective: antibiotics do not reduce the duration or progression of symptoms (including cough) or the risk of serious complications of acute bronchitis. The inappropriate administration of antibiotics makes bacteria more resistant: this is antibiotic resistance. There is therefore no reason to use them unless the doctor deems it necessary (if he diagnoses a complication (sinusitis or pneumonia for example) following an acute bronchitis).

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Bronchitis: when to consult?

In case of viral bronchitis, it is best to consult a doctor in case of:

– persistent cough for more than 3 weeks;

– persistent fever for more than 3 days;

– disturbing symptoms (difficulty breathing, vomiting, coughing up blood, etc.);

– signs of more or less serious complications such as bacterial superinfection;

– signs of bronchitis in:

  • a patient with a chronic respiratory disease (asthma, COPD, etc.);
  • a patient with a serious chronic disease (heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cancer, immunosuppression, cirrhosis of the liver, etc.);
  • a pregnant woman ;
  • a patient over 75 years old.

In children, it is advisable to consult in case of:

  • cough for more than 8 days;
  • cough in a baby less than 3 months old;
  • cough and/or other signs of viral bronchitis in a baby over 3 months old and under 2 years old;
  • unusual behavior or moderate fever for more than 3 days in a child over 2 years old.

How to treat acute bronchitis naturally?

Plants and bee products are effective in treating bronchitis.

Phytotherapy and aromatherapy

Both herbal and aromatherapy remedies can be effective against the signs of viral bronchitis. In particular, you can use certain plants in the form ofdried herbs oressential oils as the thymel’eucalyptusthe climbing ivythe lanceolate plantainl’black sprucethe licoricethe ginseng or even the cape geranium.

Herbs are ideal for the preparation of hot drinks and infusions while essential oils can be applied directly to the chest and throat (by diluting 2 drops of HE with a tablespoon of vegetable oil) or even be incorporated in water for steam inhalation (3 to 6 drops of essential oils for 50 cl of hot water).

hive products

In order to fight against inflammation of the respiratory tract, bee products and in particular honey, propolis and royal jelly are effective remedies.

The raw honey is rich in nutrients and antimicrobial actives. Its hydrogen peroxide content also makes it an effective ally against coughs. The ideal is to consume a large teaspoon of quality organic honey every day to soothe the throat. Honey can also be incorporated into your hot drinks.

On his side, to propolis is a powerful antiviral. It is also soothing and purifying for the throat. You will find it in the form of candy to suck, powder, liquid, syrups or even pure to chew on the market.

The Royal jelly is composed of antibacterial and antioxidant active ingredients. It is believed to have an immunomodulatory effect and is used medicinally to treat certain diseases, including chronic diseases.

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