Acute bronchitis is usually self-cured in 1-3 weeks, while chronic bronchitis is usually not self-cured. Acute bronchitis and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis need to be treated by medication, while chronic bronchitis in remission should be recovered by quitting smoking and strengthening the body.
1. Acute bronchitis is an acute confined inflammation involving the bronchial tubes, which can be cured in 1-3 weeks, but medication is needed to treat the severe symptoms that can not be improved.
(1) Symptomatic treatment: stop cough with dextromethorphan and cough bicarb; resolve phlegm with aminobromine hydrochloride and myrtle oil; relieve bronchial spasm with β2 agonists (e.g., terbutaline, salbutamol), theophylline, anticholinergic drugs (e.g., ipratropium bromide, tiotropium bromide) and other asthma medications.
(2) Antibiotic therapy: Use only when there is evidence of bacterial infection. Preferred macrolides (e.g., roxithromycin, azithromycin) or penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin, penicillin), but also cephalosporins (e.g., cefixime, ceftriaxone) or quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).
(3) General treatment: rest more and drink more water, avoid exertion.
2. Chronic bronchitis
(1) Acute exacerbation: treatment is the same as acute bronchitis.
(2) Treatment in the period of remission: quit smoking; strengthen the body and prevent colds.
Patients suffering from bronchitis should go to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible to avoid delaying the condition. The above medications should be used under the supervision of a physician.