How To Treat Bronchitis
Of course, treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, so it’s always best to consult with a doctor. During the first few days of illness it may be very difficult to distinguish bronchitis from another respiratory disease. The doctor will definitely listen to your lungs with the help of a stethoscope, and might require additional tests, such as:
- a chest x-ray (it can very quickly show if it’s pneumonia and how damaged the lungs are from smoking);
- sputum tests (the mucus that you cough up from the lungs can show if its allergies or illnesses that can be treated with antibiotics);
- a pulmonary function test (during this test you blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can get air out of your lungs. This test checks for signs of asthma or emphysema).
Most cases of acute bronchitis can be easily treated at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and plenty of fluids. You only need to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or unusual. For example, if your cough is severe or lasts longer than 3 weeks.
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