Modern society suffers mostly from various kinds of respiratory disorders, some contagious and some noncontagious. The markets are flooded with a variety of drugs to treat bronchitis and other disorders. All of us need to have adequate knowledge about how to maintain good health. We need to know the best drugs to treat bronchitis, in case we are stricken with it.
Bronchitis, a respiratory disorder that can affect anybody at anytime, is one among the most widespread ailments. However, people residing in polluted areas, cigarette smokers, infants, young children, old people, and people already suffering from lung disorders are more susceptible to bronchitis.
Treatment of Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is the milder of the two types of bronchitis. There is no need to take any drugs to treat bronchitis of this type, which is a short-term disorder. Acute bronchitis lasts only for a couple of weeks or lesser if treated with care. The duration of the illness also depends on the type of microbe causing it.
However, some patients take expectorants to facilitate easier breathing. Anti-inflammatory drugs will help you obtain relief from the various symptoms of bronchitis. In certain cases, bronchitis can lead to very painful sinusitis. Decongestants will help you alleviate this symptom. You might also require pain killers to ease the muscle pain that always comes with bronchitis.
There is no need to take any drugs to treat bronchitis that is caused by viruses. You simply need a lot of rest, water and fruit juices in abundance, and a humidifier. In addition, you have to avoid dust and polluted environments. The only drugs required in this conditions are those that alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis–anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers, expectorants, and nasal decongestants.
You have to take antibiotics or antibacterial drugs to treat bronchitis that is caused by bacteria; the drugs destroy the bacteria that are infecting your bronchi. In rare cases, the bronchitis might be caused by a fungus, and you will have to take antifungal drugs in addition to the other medicines that tackle the symptoms of bronchitis.
Along with the medication and the rest of the treatment plan, it is essential that you stop smoking. The earlier you quit smoking, the sooner you can undo the damage done to your lungs.
Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis
On the other hand, chronic bronchitis, a long-term disorder, requires long-term care. If you are suffering from chronic bronchitis, you need to take a variety of drugs to obtain relief from the symptoms of the disorders along with drugs that might help cure the condition.
Some of the medicines typically taken by patients suffering from chronic bronchitis are bronchodilators to dilate the bronchi and to enable easier breathing, antibiotics to destroy any bacteria that might be infecting your respiratory tract, and steroids. In certain cases, people suffering from chronic bronchitis require supplemental oxygen to help them deal with the low levels of oxygen in their body.
Chances for complete recovery from chronic bronchitis are slim. You need to identify the disease in its earliest stages and arrest its further progress immediately. You can do so by making major lifestyle changes such as moving to a cleaner area, quitting smoking, and giving up alcohol altogether.
Before taking any sort of drug to treat bronchitis, consult your doctor. Your doctor will determine, on the basis of your medical history, whether or not a particular drug will be beneficial for you. Doctors are the most qualified to determine the best combination of drugs to treat bronchitis. They also give you the correct instruction about the usage of these drugs.