Having a cough can be miserable, keeping you awake at night and interrupting your day as well.
If you have chronic bronchitis, your healthcare provider may recommendnebulizertreatments.
Bronchodilators and steroids can also be delivered via an inhaler.
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Heres what you should know about using a nebulizer to treat bronchitis.
Yuliya Taba / Getty Images
What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the tubes that bring air to the lungs.
Acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitisis due to an infection, like a cold or the flu.
These infections, which can be viral or bacterial, can settle in the lungs and develop into bronchitis.
In cases of acute bronchitis, the first symptoms are often congestion and sore throat.
Then, a cough emerges, becoming dry and hacking with time.
Acute bronchitis can happen to anyone, including children.
Nebulizers are not typically used to treat acute bronchitis.
Children with acute bronchitis do not get nebulizer treatment.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitishappens when a person is exposed to environmental toxins.
It is a bang out ofchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Children do not get chronic bronchitis.
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People with chronic bronchitis have an ongoing cough.
Although there are treatments for chronic bronchitisincluding nebulizer treatmentsthere is no cure for the condition.
If your infection is bacterial, your healthcare provider might recommend antibiotics to address the root cause of bronchitis.
They may also prescribe inhaled medications, including:
These inhaled medications are commonly used ininhalers to treat bronchitis.
However, some people find it difficult to use an inhaler, which requires coordinated and strong breaths.
You take slow, deep breaths to get to draw the medication into your lungs.
If you have never used a nebulizer before, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for instructions and tips.
The last thing that you want is another infection when you already have bronchitis.
Cleaning your nebulizer between treatments can help stop the spread of germs and infection.
Youll also need to clean your nebulizer more thoroughly once a week.
However, its important to stay in contact with your healthcare provider.
If your symptoms start getting worse, reach out to your healthcare provider.
If you experience trouble breathing, call 911 or seek immediate medication attention.
Summary
Nebulizers are a potential treatment option for bronchitis.
Be sure to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions that you may have.
Then, take a deep breathsoon youll be able to use the nebulizer without a second thought.
MedlinePlus.How to use a nebulizer.
KidsHealth from Nemours.How can I help my child cooperate while using a nebulizer?
American Lung Association.How to clean a nebulizer.
