Treatment Plan
Pneumonia
If pneumonia is found early, most people can be treated at home with antibiotics. But elderly people or those who are immune-compromised are usually hospitalized because their risk of death is higher.
In healthy people, antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia and improve recovery from other organisms such as mycoplasma. Viral pneumonia usually clears up on its own. Drugs that are used depend on the type of organism causing the infection.
Young people may get better within a week. Older people may take several weeks. Make sure you don't rush your recovery or you may relapse.
Bronchitis
The best way to treat acute bronchitis is to rest, stay indoors if the weather is cold and windy, and drink lots of fluid to help liquefy mucus. Mucus should be coughed up so don't use cough suppressants.
Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, so your doctor won't give you antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend an expectorant medication (mucolytics) to help loosen mucus or bronchodilators (albuterol) to open air passages. Treatment includes:
- Rest
- Staying indoors if weather is bad
- Using a cool mist humidifier to soothe air passages
- Increasing fluids to stay hydrated and to help thin out mucous secretions
Symptoms usually go away within seven to 10 days. However, some cases of viral bronchitis may take up to four weeks to completely resolve, especially in smokers and people with asthma.
Chronic bronchitis
Treatment is aimed at reducing irritation in the bronchial tubes. If you smoke, make every effort to quit. If you have an acute bacterial infection because of chronic bronchitis, antibiotics can help. However, people with chronic bronchitis don't need antibiotics all the time.
Bronchodilator drugs may help relax and open up air passages. These drugs may be inhaled or taken as pills.
Avoid polluted air and dusty working conditions. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to help your lungs and fight infections.
More on Pneumonia and Bronchitis How Are Pneumonia and Bronchitis Treated?
In the Encyclopedia: Bronchitis
Cough
Emphysema
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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