“What medications help with bronchitis?”

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