Acute bronchitis is an ilness that usually last about three weeks. It does not need special treatment and in most of the cases the condition only requires home treatment. In healthy persons, which do not suffer from other condition but acute bronchitis, the most usual steps to follow in treating acute bronchitis is reducing cough, pain and fever.

Medications are not indicated in this type of disease, especially antibiotics, because they may cause more damage than good. If you suffer from other conditions as well, besides acute bronchitis, treatment may be a little more extensive.

The treatment that is usually required for acute bronchitis is home treatment and includes the following:

- treating the cough, by using cough drops, drinking plenty of fluid and avoiding anything that might irritate your lungs;

- stop smoking, not drinking alcohol or caffeine;

- resting as much as possible, thus giving your body the necessary energy to fight the infection;

- breathing air that is moist, from a humidifier, from a recipient filled with hot water;

- In the last case scenario using antibiotics, especially for people who are more at risk of developing complications or for those who suffer from acute bronchitis for more than two to three weeks;

The reason why antibiotics are rarely used in cases of acute bronchitis is because this ilness is usually caused by viruses. As you know viruses do not respond to antibiotics, so taking this medication would further increase your chances of getting complications than healing you.

Of course there are also different methods by which you can prevent getting sick. One of the most important things to do is stop smoking if you are a smoker. If not, try to avoid as much as possible cigarette smoke. This smoke reduces your body' s ability to fight against bacteria or viruses. There is also inticated that you avoid polluted air as much as possible. Also if you know you are allergic to different things, try to avoid the situations which may trigger your allergic reaction.

If possible try avoiding people that have a respiratory infection, such as a cold, especially if you suffer from different other medical problems. Also see a doctor and discuss your possibility of getting a vaccine against the flu. If you work in an environment full of dust or other irritants, try to wear a face mask. You can buy this from a pharmacy or even a store. At winter, if you have a stove that burns wood to create heat, it is indicated that you use it as less as possible or try to avoid the smoke and ash if possible.