How to Relieve Bronchitis Symptoms Fast
Whether you’re battling a bout of acute bronchitis or trying to manage a chronic bronchitis flare-up, one thing is for certain: The near-constant coughing, sore throat, and chest congestion associated with this illness can be a real pain. Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill that can instantly cure bronchitis. Still, while relief may not come in a matter of seconds, there are several steps you can take to facilitate the healing process and feel better faster.
Find Fast(ish) Relief.
Give these evidence-based home remedies a try to help ease bothersome bronchitis symptoms and feel more like yourself:
Rest Up
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but getting enough rest and avoiding strenuous activities is crucial when trying to beat any illness, including bronchitis. Sleep, in particular, helps boost the body’s immune system, encourages the repair of damaged tissues, and increases energy levels.
Stay Hydrated
Bronchitis often leads to dehydration, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary sodas. Sipping water and enjoying herbal teas and warm broths can help loosen mucus and soothe a sore, inflamed throat.
Spice Things Up
If you’re able, try enjoying spicy foods like jalapenos, horseradish, wasabi, hot mustard, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper. Spice essentially serves as dynamite for built-up mucus and bronchial secretions, helping clear the airways and allowing you to breathe easier. Not a fan of spice? No problem—simply incorporating more nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet can equip your immune system for success and help supply much-needed energy.
Stay Away From Triggers
One way to sabotage your bronchitis treatment plan is to expose yourself to triggers like cigarette smoke, dust, and chemical fumes. Be sure to stay clear of these irritating substances and consider taking an antihistamine if your seasonal allergies contribute to your bronchitis symptoms.
Loosen Up Mucus With Steam
Something as simple as breathing in steam can provide fast (albeit temporary) relief from bronchitis symptoms by loosening up mucus and promoting drainage. Try taking a steamy shower, inhaling steam from a pot of warm water, or placing a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
When to Seek Medical Care
It’s important to seek professional medical care if bronchitis symptoms or flare-ups persist too long or become severe. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional if:
- Your cough lasts longer than three weeks.
- You have a cough that produces blood or discolored mucus
- Your symptoms keep you awake at night
- You experience difficult-to-control wheezing or shortness of breath
- You have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
In-Home Treatment for Bronchitis Symptoms
If stubborn coughing, wheezing, and other unpleasant symptoms have left you in need of timely care, DispatchHealth can bring bronchitis treatment to your doorstep. We specialize in providing affordable, in-home medical care to patients with conditions like acute and chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), upper respiratory infections, and more. Requesting in-home care is simple—give us a call, use our app, or go on our website, and a fully equipped medical team will arrive at your residence in a matter of hours to help you find relief from your bronchitis symptoms.
For life-threatening and time-sensitive injuries and illnesses, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. DispatchHealth shouldn’t be used in a life-threatening emergency and doesn’t replace a primary care provider.
Sources
DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies.Sources referenced in this article:
