Different types of medicines for bronchitis include antibiotics, medications that thin out secretions, expectorants, and sometimes cough suppressants. Typically, expectorants make it easier for the patient to cough up thick bronchial secretions. Although cough suppressants do not help bring up secretions, nor do they thin them out, they do suppress or stop a hacking, irritating cough. Most physicians recommend that coughs not be suppressed, because coughing is beneficial to bring up secretions. When the cough keeps a person from getting adequate rest, however, suppressants might be indicated for nighttime use.
Sometimes, bronchitis is caused by a fungal infection. In these cases, anti-fungal medicines for bronchitis are effective. Different from antibiotics, which are indicated only for bacterial bronchitis, anti-fungal medications treat infections caused by fungi. Other medicines for bronchitis include inhalers. Since bronchial tubes and airways can become constricted during an episode of bronchitis, an inhaler for bronchitis can open up airways and facilitate breathing. Typically, when people seek medical attention for their bronchitis, the doctor frequently prescribes an antibiotic called amoxicillin. This antibiotic is proven to be generally safe, and it is highly efficient in getting rid of this type of bacterial infection.
Typically, medicines for bronchitis that include antibiotics should only be given for a bacterial bronchial infection. Taking antibiotics when the cause is thought to be viral can prove fruitless, and might even help create dangerous resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects can be so distressful that the patient discontinues use. Patients need to finish their entire prescription of antibiotics to make sure that the infection has been eradicated and to discourage a relapse.
When tradition medicines for bronchitis are ineffective in providing relief of symptoms, the physician might recommend hospitalization. During a hospital stay, the patient usually receives fluids and antibiotics intravenously. Administering fluids and medications intravenously is especially important for a patient who cannot keep fluids down due to persistent coughing and subsequent vomiting. People who are very sick with bronchitis can quickly become dehydrated, which can predispose them to kidney failure. Prompt re-hydration with intravenous fluids is critical to prevent this complication from arising. In addition, for those who cannot keep antibiotics down, intravenous administration of antibiotics offers the quickest resolution of infection and symptoms.