LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Bronchitis: People
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Antibiotics do not help people with viral bronchitis. However, if influenza is the suspected cause, treatment with an antiviral drug may be helpful. The symptoms of limited airflow and wheezing can be treated with the use of cool-mist humidifiers or steam vaporizers. The person can ... inhale warm water vapor while leaning over a bathroom sink filled with hot water with a towel loosely draped over the head. Bronchodilators, which dilate the bronchi, can be used to temporarily open the airways and reduce wheezing. Corticosteroids, usually given in a metered-dose inhaler (see Asthma:Asthma), are also sometimes used to diminish cough and inflammation and hyperreactivity of the airways, especially when the cough persists after the infection has resolved.
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Acute bronchitis is usually caused by same viruses which cause Colds, Laryngitis, and Influenza, and can be very serious in elderly people or people with Heart failure. Symptoms include Fever, a painful Cough which brings up glutinous yellow sputum, difficult breathing, and wheezing; cold or damp air, and environmental irritants, tend to make symptoms worse. Symptoms wear off within about 10 days, but full recovery may take up to 4 weeks. If resistance is low, inflammation may become chronic. Antibiotics are only given if there is secondary bacterial infection, otherwise orthodox treatment is limited to bronchodilator drugs or cough suppressants. If homeopathic remedies in Self Help section do not relieve symptoms within the dose period, or if temperature rises above 39º C (lO2º F), or phlegm has blood in it, or breathing gets extremely difficult, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 2 hours and give Ferrum phos.
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Treatment for bronchitis usually focuses on reducing the irritation to the airways. Bronchodilators are helpful in some people that have symptoms of airway tightness. The best treatment for chronic bronchitis is to eliminate anything in your environment that could irritate your airways. An air cleaner may help to eliminate some of the irritants in your home and a room humidifier may help to keep secretions from getting too thick. Also, If you are a smoker, you should quit. If you are unable to stop smoking, at least try not to smoke in your house.
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Dulcamara is only to be prescribed in cases of bronchitis where a person’s condition changes very greatly in alternate types of weather. The person may feel worse, with all symptoms rising to a crescendo on being in a wet and cold place, symptoms that may vary widely in warm weather to severe illness in cold weather. This remedy may be suggested when the symptoms include a ticklish and raspy cough, which sounds hoarse and loose and increase in intensity after every bout of physical activity. Such patients are typically people who have allergies and may have become susceptible to bronchitis because of their allergic reactions to substances like pollen and cats hair having weakened them. For bronchitis caused by allergies this remedy may be prescribed.
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Several types of herbs may help people with bronchitis, either by treating underlying infection, by relieving inflammation, or by relieving symptoms such as cough. For clarity, the table below summarizes which herbs are in each category of action. Some herbs have more than one action. Herbs listed in the table have not necessarily been proven to be effective. The herbs are discussed in more detail following the table.
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The treatment of chronic bronchitis is complex. It depends on the stage of the disease and whether other health problems are present. An important first step is giving up smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke (smoke from other people's cigarettes) and air pollutants. A regular program of controlled exercise is ... important.
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