Should i be working with bronchitis

I'm worried that I might be sick with something other than acute bronchitis. My cough is pretty bad, and I think antibiotics could help me relieve it. I'm willing to take the risk that antibiotics won't work the next time I really need them. Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision.

Show which way you are leaning right now. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Will antibiotics help you feel better faster when you have acute bronchitis? Can home treatment relieve most symptoms of acute bronchitis? Is there anyone who can benefit from taking antibiotics for acute bronchitis? Can you take antibiotics as often as you feel you need to and still have them work every time?

Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Author: Healthwise Staff.

Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Updated visitor guidelines. Bronchitis: Should I Take Antibiotics? Get the facts. Your options Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis. Don't take antibiotics.

Try home treatment instead. Key points to remember Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and often follows a cold or flu. Antibiotics usually do not help acute bronchitis, and they may be harmful.

Experts recommend that you not use antibiotics to try to relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis if you have no other health problems. Taking antibiotics too often or when you don't need them can be harmful.

Not taking the full course of antibiotics when your doctor prescribes them also can be harmful. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.

This is called antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics may help prevent complications from acute bronchitis in people who have other problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , other long-term breathing problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis , or heart failure.

What is acute bronchitis? What causes acute bronchitis? What are the risks of acute bronchitis? If you have no other health problems, acute bronchitis poses little risk. It's most likely to develop if you have a long-term chronic disease, such as: COPD. Cystic fibrosis. Heart failure. Treatment for people with these health problems depends on their condition. How well do antibiotics work to treat acute bronchitis?

How can you treat acute bronchitis without antibiotics? Here are some things you can try that may help you feel better: Relieve your cough by drinking fluids, using cough drops, and avoiding things like smoke that can irritate your lungs. Get enough rest so that your body has the energy it needs to fight the virus.

You'll feel better sooner if you rest more than usual while you have acute bronchitis. Try over-the counter medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve fever and body aches.

Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Why might your doctor recommend taking antibiotics? Your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics for acute bronchitis if: You are at risk for pneumonia. Your condition hasn't gotten better in 14 to 21 days. You have COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, or heart failure. Compare your options. Compare Option 1 Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis Don't take antibiotics. Starting with more gentle exercises, or reduced versions of workouts will help the lungs slowly rebuild strength.

Cutting the normal duration, frequency, and intensity of workouts in half is a good starting point for many. For those with chronic bronchitis, the idea of exercise may seem daunting. However, regular cardiovascular activity is key to maintaining lung health during and after episodes.

As with acute cases, those with chronic bronchitis should ease their way into workout routines. A doctor or medical professional should be consulted to help guide the process. Pursed lip breathing involves breathing in through the nose. People then slowly and steadily exhale through pursed lips for twice as long as their inhalation. Belly breathing requires the same inhalation and exhalation process.

However, it is done without pursed lips and attention focuses on the rise and fall of the belly. It is important to keep the head, neck, and shoulders relaxed during breathing exercises. This helps ensure the diaphragm is doing the bulk of the work and retraining the way it needs. Exercises and considerations recommended for those recovering from acute bronchitis or with chronic bronchitis include:.

People with chronic bronchitis may find it easier to walk with their arms braced by a walker, or even by holding onto their pant waistline or belt. Some may also need to use an oxygen machine before exercise. Exercise can help lessen the symptoms of bronchitis and speed up the recovery process, by improving muscle strength and oxygen efficiency. But the oxygen levels demanded by physical exertion can exceed lung capabilities, especially when airways are compromised.

Exercise should be immediately stopped if shortness of breath is intense. A good rule to follow is that if a person no longer has enough airflow to talk, they have gone too far. Other symptoms that indicate exercise should be stopped immediately include:. Stamina should increase over time with consistent, progressively challenging exercise. If breathing problems continue to interfere with proper exercise, a doctor should be seen to reassess workout regimes or treatment plans.

Those with additional health complications often require more tailored exercise plans and supervision. Certain environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and particles in the air may worsen bronchitis symptoms and increase the likelihood of problems during exercise. Any time symptoms become severe, do not respond to treatment, or worsen after improving, then someone should speak to a doctor.

Bronchospasm is when the muscles in the lungs tighten, causing restricted airflow. Causes include asthma, emphysema, exercise, and bronchitis…. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This can occur either as a result of asthma or the overreaction of the immune system. This article…. Bronchiectasis is a lung condition that causes persistent cough and excess phlegm.

It can lead to fatal complications. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Read on for more on the signs of bronchitis, how long bronchitis lasts, and how long bronchitis is contagious. There are two main kinds of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Different mechanisms commonly cause them. Acute bronchitis is often contagious, but chronic bronchitis is not. During bronchitis, the bronchi —the tubes that lead from your mouth to your lungs—swell up and start producing protective mucus that triggers coughing.

There are two main ways this reaction is triggered:. The symptoms and signs of bronchitis include:. Acute bronchitis is caused by the same viruses and bacteria that cause colds and the flu. When someone is infected with either viral or bacterial acute bronchitis, they are contagious and can spread to others. The virus or bacteria causing their bronchitis can spread through talking, coughing, and sneezing, so being in close quarters with an infected person is a big danger.

It is also easily passed between people when an infected person deposits bacteria or virus on a surface by touching it. When another person comes by and touches that surface and then touches their face, the viruses or bacteria can cause an infection. Bacterial bronchitis can turn into bacterial pneumonia. The bacteria that cause bacterial bronchitis are usually the same ones that cause pneumonia: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.

The types of viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis will usually have been in your system from two to six days before you start feeling cold symptoms. Other symptoms may resolve, but you can develop a lingering cough. Antibiotics are not generally recommended for viral or bacterial bronchitis. In the cases where they are given appropriately, you should no longer be contagious about 24 hours after you start taking them.

To avoid catching bronchitis, stay away from sick people. Stay home and focus on feeling better. If you do have to go out, cover your mouth and nose a face mask is a good option here, too and cough or sneeze into your elbow. Most of the time, your bronchitis should resolve on its own with time and rest.

Get in touch with your healthcare provider if:. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Acute bronchitis. Updated December 10,