Bronchitis, a persistent obsession of the respiratory system, makes many people worry about the possibility of a complete cure. Can bronchitis be cured? This article will delve into the nature of bronchitis, available treatments, and ways to manage bronchitis symptoms.
1. What disease is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, causing narrowing of the airways. This leads to fluid stagnation and phlegm formation in the alveoli, which over time can reduce lung function and cause respiratory problems . The cause is usually a virus, but it can also be caused by smoke and other irritants. There are two types of bronchitis including:
- Acute bronchitis is a temporary condition, usually caused by a virus, that goes away on its own after a few weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis: Cough with phlegm that lasts for at least 2 years. If you have this type, you may also have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) .
2. Can bronchitis be cured?
When suffering from bronchitis with a prolonged cough , many people are interested in whether bronchitis can be cured? This depends on whether you have acute or chronic bronchitis.
Can acute bronchitis be cured?
If the case is acute (temporary), can bronchitis be cured? The answer is YES. Even acute bronchitis often goes away on its own without treatment. You can control bronchitis symptoms at home by resting, using a humidifier, or taking a warm bath to thin mucus and make breathing easier. In addition, using ibuprofen or acetaminophen also helps reduce pain caused by viral infections.
Can chronic bronchitis be cured?
Different from acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is a condition that is repeated and recurs many times. So, can bronchitis be cured if it is a chronic condition? The disease cannot be cured completely , but patients can control symptoms well at home if they apply the correct treatment methods as prescribed by their doctor.
What medicine to take for bronchitis? For treatment, your doctor may prescribe you to use some medications such as:
- Antiviral medications: If bronchitis is caused by the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, Relenza or Rapivab. Taking antiviral medication early can help you recover faster.
- Bronchodilators: Helps widen the airways in case of difficulty breathing.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Commonly used corticosteroids help reduce inflammation.
- Cough suppressants : Can be used with or without prescription, helping to reduce persistent cough symptoms.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are rarely needed to treat chronic bronchitis, unless your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection.
3. How to treat bronchitis in adults at home
Understanding whether bronchitis can be cured, you should also know more ways to help alleviate symptoms at home. To soothe coughs and feel more comfortable, people with bronchitis can apply the following home treatments :
- Add water: Drinking enough water not only keeps the body healthy but also soothes the throat and effectively reduces coughs.
- Get enough rest: Sleep helps the body recover and strengthen resistance, supporting the cough reduction process.
- Use pain relievers: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever , making you feel more comfortable. Please read the instructions for use carefully before using.
- Drink warm water mixed with honey: A spoonful of honey mixed with warm water, drinking before going to bed is a folk remedy that effectively reduces coughs. However, it should not be used in children under 12 months of age.
- Stay away from cigarette smoke: Don’t smoke, quit smoking and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke and other irritants can make coughs worse.
