Bronchitis: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. The tubes swell and produce mucus, or phlegm. The mucus and inflamed bronchial tubes make you cough. You may have trouble breathing.
Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses like those that cause colds. Antibiotics usually do not help and they may be harmful.
Bronchitis usually develops rapidly and lasts about 2 to 3 weeks in otherwise healthy people.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Take all medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Get some extra rest.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce fever and relieve body aches. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Take an over-the-counter cough medicine to help quiet a dry, hacking cough so that you can sleep. Avoid cough medicines that have more than one active ingredient. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can make bronchitis worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse trouble breathing.
- You cough up dark brown or bloody mucus (sputum).
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You have a new rash.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You cough more deeply or more often, especially if you notice more mucus or a change in the colour of your mucus.
- You are not getting better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter H333 in the search box to learn more about "Bronchitis: Care Instructions".
Current as of: November 14, 2022
