Bronchitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of main air passages connected to the lungs. This condition may be acute or short lived or it be experienced on a recurring or long term basis. Acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria or viruses while chronic bronchitis may be caused by exposure to harmful chemicals or smoking. Bronchitis management is normally based on alleviating the symptoms related with the condition. As a part of management of the condition, it is important for patients to stop smoking and to avoid polluted areas.

Medicines are prescribed as a part of bronchitis management to help in opening of bronchial airways. The medicines may also help in thinning the obstructive mucus so that breathing becomes easy. Cough suppressants should be avoided as expelling of mucus is important. Using humidifiers and vaporizers can help in moistening the air and loosening the mucus and this can help in making breathing easy. Using hot towels on the chest or back can also help in reducing inflammation. Supportive care is critical for managing bronchitis, particularly acute bronchitis.

The symptoms associated with bronchitis include cough, fever, fatigue, wheezing, chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Bronchitis management is largely done through protussive or antitussive therapy. Protussive therapy is advised in cases when coughing needs to be encouraged so as to clear airways. Antitussive therapy may be prescribed in cases where the cough creates considerable discomfort and where such prescription would not adversely affect the healing process.

Bronchodilators play an important role in acute bronchitis management. These bronchodilators help in removing bronchial secretions and this helps in reducing the airway obstruction so that greater amount of oxygen is distributed through the lungs. This in turn helps in improving the breathing. Studies seem to reveal that acute bronchitis patients using bronchodilators displays less symptoms like coughing compared to patients who are given placebo. Beta2 agonist bronchodilator can be used among patients experiencing wheezing accompanied by cough. In some cases non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines can also be used in treating acute bronchitis patients. Acute bronchitis should not be treated with antibiotics unless the condition is extremely serious.

It is important for bronchitis patients to consume fluids as these help in loosening the secretions and this in turn allows them to be secreted through coughing. Chest physiotherapy can also play an important role in bronchitis management. In this technique, clapping on chest or back allows the secretions to become loose and these can be expelled through coughing. Chest physiotherapy is often combined with postural drainage and this is a device for airway clearance. It is important for patients to give up smoking as smoking can aggravate bronchitis. Certain vitamins can help in fighting off certain viruses that can cause respiratory problems. Vitamin C and antioxidants known as flavonoids can be particularly beneficial.