“What medications help with bronchitis?”

Smoking cessation.

Bronchitis is caused by viruses and antibiotics do NOT help! You typically get better in 2-3 weeks. Over the counter cough and cold medicines can help as can cool mist humidifiers. See your provider if you are getting worse or getting short of breath.

Medications for bronchitis primarily focus on relieving symptoms rather than treating the underlying cause, as most cases are viral. Common medications include analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, mucolytics, expectorants, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. *Medications for Bronchitis* **Analgesics: Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Relieves fever, general malaise, and body aches. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Reduces inflammation and relieves headaches and body aches. Aspirin: Relieves pain and reduces fever. **Anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen: Reduces bronchial inflammation. Naproxen: Relieves inflammation and pain. **Mucolytics: Acetylcysteine: Liquefies phlegm to promote its elimination. Bromhexine: Thins mucus to facilitate coughing it up. **Expectorants: Guaifenesin: Thins mucus to make it easier to cough up. Ambroxol: Thins mucus and relieves coughs. **Bronchodilators: Salbutamol: Opens airways to facilitate breathing. Formoterol: Relaxes airway muscles to improve breathing. Ipratropium bromide: Opens airways to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath. **Corticosteroids: Prednisone: Reduces lung inflammation and irritation. Fluticasone: Reduces inflammation and irritation when inhaled. Budesonide: Reduces inflammation and irritation when inhaled. **Cough Suppressant: Codeine: Relieves severe dry coughs. Dextromethorphan: Relieves dry coughs. *Important Notes* **Antibiotics: Generally not recommended for acute bronchitis unless there is a suspected bacterial infection. **Bronchodilators: Not effective for acute bronchitis unless there is wheezing or airway obstruction. Every patient tolerates medications differently; speak to your healthcare provider before taking any new medications