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Viral bronchitis doesn't get treated with antibiotics. Bacterial bronchitis does. If you have viral bronchitis, then *hot* steam (as opposed to cold mist), vapo-rub/tiger balm, a decongestant, an expectorant to promote the fluid pushing up and away from the lungs and mucous membranes, and at night, the opposite: a cough suppressant so you can sleep, are the most common treatments.
It will go away all by itself unless you are one of the unlucky ones who end up with pneumonia. But while you're waiting for it to go away, it's better to treat the symptoms so you aren't -thoroughly- miserable.
If your chest gets worse after a few days, or doesn't seem any better after a week, have a doctor check you out and ask if he thinks lung x-rays are indicated. He might not. Or he might. But that's when you ask. If you have a fever OR unusually LOW temperature, see a doctor right away and don't wait to see if it'll get better.
Edited a second time to recommend LOTS of water and broth, avoid dairy.
Last edited by AnonChick; 02-22-2011 at 04:00 PM..
Reason: edited because I misused the term expectorant.
I've never had bronchitis, but I think I do now. Can I beat it without taking antibiotics? Thanks.
No. A credible doctor(MD) should always prescribe antibiotics when it comes to lung infections. Im just recovering from a severe case of bronchitis Im alive only because the doctor did the right decision and prescribed Doxycyclin, its GREAT! Now i can already go out by my self to buy cigarettes and Diet Coke. Viral or not antibiotics help, and youre back on your feet in a couple of days. No chicken soups needed here!
On a sidenote, when I was really sick an insane nurse recommended SAUNA!
Last edited by Northwindsforever; 02-22-2011 at 10:17 PM..
Yep its the sanme with actaul neumonia. once they find out the type the they will use the corrst anti-biotic. If for some reason they don't get a sample they will give you both types of anti-biotics.Often COPD toyes can develop into it whcih is why if the doctor hears what might be it then he will have X-rays of the lungs.Any COPD can devop into worse problems ;so see a doctor.
Even though I work for doctors, I'm not a fan of running to the doctor for everything however, with any type of lung infections you should always seek medical advice from your doctor. Depending on the type of infection you WILL need antibiotics and only your doctor can tell you what you have.
I've never had bronchitis, but I think I do now. Can I beat it without taking antibiotics? Thanks.
It really depends on what type of bronchitis you have. If you've got bacterial, then do you really want all those microorganisms feeding off your tissues and putting toxins in your lungs?
No. A credible doctor(MD) should always prescribe antibiotics when it comes to lung infections. Im just recovering from a severe case of bronchitis Im alive only because the doctor did the right decision and prescribed Doxycyclin, its GREAT! Now i can already go out by my self to buy cigarettes and Diet Coke. Viral or not antibiotics help, and youre back on your feet in a couple of days. No chicken soups needed here!
On a sidenote, when I was really sick an insane nurse recommended SAUNA!
obviously not true. antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infection.
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Lots of rest at home ~ Lots of chicken soup ~ Lots of hot tea ~ More rest !! If your immune system is at its optimal, you should recover within a week
