Bronchitis 101

Seems every where you go someone's hacking. It could be bronchitis.

Most of the time a virus causes bronchitis, not a bacterial infection as docs used to think. Because it's viral, antibiotics don't help. What can help- bronchodialators - the inhaled treatment people with asthma, use. It helps open the bronchial tubes and clear out mucus.

Generally, bronchitis goes away on its own - just get rest, plenty of fluids and if possible, add moisture to your home air. But even if you're on your best health behavior the cough can linger several weeks, even months.

It's time to see the doctor if you're coughing/wheezing for more than 2 weeks, especially at night or when you're active; if you continue coughing and feel very weak, sick and run a fever: if you cough up blood; if your feet swell.
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