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A 23-year-old member asked:
What is bronchitis?
7 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Steven Hillanswered
Family Medicine 24 years experience
Inflammation: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes - usually caused by a virus. Can be worse and more chronic especially in people who smoke or have smoked.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mouhammed Rihawianswered
Internal Medicine 29 years experience
Is: Infection of the air pipes , many causes.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Two types...: There are 2 types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually due to an infection in the airways whereas chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD and is typically from smoking. The treatments are different as well so see your doctor if you think you may have a form of bronchitis.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Randy Bakeranswered
Holistic Medicine 41 years experience
Herbs & homeopathy: Most acute bronchitis is caused by viral infections & research confirms antibiotics generally do not help. There is research showing herbs can be very helpful, esp. Pelargonium sidoides. Andrographis is another useful herb. Rest, fluids, healthy diet & avoiding tobacco smoke helps. I don't recommend cough suppressants but expectorants with guiafenesin can help. Please click on "comment" for more..
6.1k viewsReviewed Jun 07, 2020Merged

Dr. Randy Baker commented
Holistic Medicine 41 years experience
Provided original answer
Homeopathy can also be very helpful- I have successfully treated 100's. Pelargonium is widely available as "Umcka"- see http://data.schwabenorthamerica.com/common/artifactdocument/ITI-Pelargonium-Sidoides-Extract.pdf
More info on Andrographis here: http://www.positivehealth.com/article/ayurveda/andrographis-the-ayurvedic-remedy-for-boosting-immunity
Vitamins A, C, D, E & Zinc may also be helpful.
Jan 18, 2012

Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Two types...: Acute bronchitis is due to a bacteria or virus and is associated with a productive cough, fever, body aches, URI symptoms. Chronic bronchitis, a form of copd, is due to airway inflammation usually due to smoking and is characterized by a productive cough that lasts for months and is not associated with fever, cold sxs, etc. The treatment depends on the type of bronchitis present.
6k viewsReviewed Jun 07, 2020Merged

Dr. Kenneth Smithanswered
Internal Medicine 33 years experience
Bronchitis: Inflammation within bronchi (airways.) can be viral bacterial and chemical. .Generally manifested as cough with wheezing and sometimes sputum production and fever.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Peter Wiernikanswered
Hematology and Oncology 57 years experience
A lung infection: Its an infection of the airway tubes in the lungs and can lead to pneumonia if caused by a virus or bacterium. If caused by smoking it can lead to permanent lung damage such as COPD, which is not reversible. Inhaling industrial chemicals and other substances can do the same. Common in miners and other workers, if not protected.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
What's to be done about bronchitis?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Alessandra Bertoluccianswered
Ophthalmology 34 years experience
Fever?: If there is fever need to see doc and consider antibiotics. If no infection might need plenty of water: hydration is a good help.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
What helps bronchitis?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Antoanella Calameanswered
Pathology 20 years experience
A few things: Drink plenty of fluids. Use cough medicine to help break/bring up the mucus. You can suck on cough drops or hard candies to soothe a dry or sore throat.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Can bronchitis be serious?
1 doctor answer • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Yes...: Acute bronchitis is caused by infection and it is very treatable and is usually not serious. Chronic bronchitis, a form of copd, can be life-threatening. It is progressive and not curable so smoking cessation is extremely important to avoid the disease or slow progression if already diagnosed with the disease.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
What can cause bronchitis?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 30 years experience
Causes...: Acute bronchitis is usually due to either a bacterial or viral infection. Chronic bronchitis, a form of copd, is usually due to smoking.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
What are the effects of bronchitis?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Marion Mcfarlandanswered
Emergency Medicine 48 years experience
Several: Cough wheezing, shortness of breath.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 4, 2020
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