Chronic Bronchitis Treatment
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- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
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- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
How to Treat Chronic Bronchitis
There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms and improve lung function. The best way to reduce symptoms is to stop smoking.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Medication
Short acting bronchodilator medications may be prescribed to help open the airways in the lungs and improve breathing. These may include:
- Albuterol (eg, Ventolin)
- Terbutaline (eg, Brethine, Brethaire, Bricanyl)
- Theophylline (eg, Elixophyllin, Theo-24)
- Ipatropium bromide
Long acting bronchodilator medication may be prescribed, as well.
Steroids may be prescribed to help improve breathing. They can include:
- Inhaled:
- Beclomethasone (eg, Vanceril, Beclovent)
- Triamcinolone (eg, Azmacort)
- Flunisolide (eg, Aerobid)
- Fluticasone (eg, Flovent)
- Dexamethasone (eg, Dexamethasone Intensol)
- Orally:
- Prednisone (eg, PredniSONE Intensol, Sterapred)
- Prednisolone (eg, Econopred Plus, Millipred)
- Methylprednisolone (eg, Medrol, Medrol DosePak)
Antibiotics are rarely prescribed to treat bronchitis. But, they may be needed to treat a lung infection that often accompanies the illness. A small percentage of patients may need chronic antibiotic therapy.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy can restore oxygen to parts of the body depleted because of chronic bronchitis.
Exercises
- Breathing exercises-These can help improve lung function. They are usually done under the supervision of a respiratory therapist
- Regular exercise program -This can reduce symptoms and improve lung function.
If you are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, follow your doctor's instructions.
