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The first-line treatment for acute bronchitis (which is often viral) is usually supportive care, which includes rest and staying hydrated.
Over-the-counter medicines for bronchitis include NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain and fever, guaifenesin to loosen mucus, and dextromethorphan to relieve a dry, persistent cough.
Natural remedies for bronchitis may include a humidifier, honey for coughs, rest, and avoiding smoke or other air irritants.
If you have a persistent cough, fatigue, and trouble breathing, you may suspect bronchitis, which happens when the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs become inflamed. There are two main forms of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is the most common type of bronchitis and is generally caused by a viral infection. Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by recurrent episodes. If you think you may have bronchitis, schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and receive recommendations for treating your symptoms.
If you’re constantly coughing up mucus or experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or chest tightness, schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider right away. They'll diagnose bronchitis by performing a physical exam and asking about your medical history and current symptoms. If they suspect bronchitis, they may do any of the following, based on your specific symptoms:
Order a blood test to look for signs of bacterial infection.
Order a chest X-ray to determine if there’s fluid in your bronchial tubes.
Perform a spirometry test, also called a pulmonary function test, which measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can blow the air out.
Request a sputum culture (a sample of the mucus you cough up) if your symptoms are severe.
There is no absolute cure for acute or chronic bronchitis, but there are ways to relieve your symptoms. Acute bronchitis often resolves on its own within a few weeks with adequate rest and fluids, but your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help with coughing or relieve pain and fevers. Antibiotics are not usually recommended for acute bronchitis, since the cause is almost always viral.
For those with chronic bronchitis, the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent further complications, and slow the progression of the disease. Options include inhaled bronchodilators or corticosteroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccines, oxygen therapy, antibiotics for acute flare-ups, or, in severe cases, surgery.
If you have acute bronchitis with wheezing, you may be prescribed a bronchodilator. You may also be prescribed a bronchodilator if you have a history of COPD or asthma. These drugs widen the bronchi and bronchioles, decreasing airway resistance and increasing airflow to the lungs. Common options include Ventolin and ProAir (albuterol), as well as Xopenex (levalbuterol).
These medications are a class of steroid hormones used to treat inflammatory conditions. They mimic the effects of hormones your body naturally produces in your adrenal glands and suppress inflammation. Deltasone (prednisone) is one of the more common corticosteroids used to treat bronchitis, especially if you have underlying asthma or COPD.
Occasionally, antibiotics are prescribed to treat exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by bacterial infections. Doxycycline and amoxicillin are examples of antibiotics used to treat bronchitis. Macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin are used for less common cases of bronchitis caused by pertussis (whooping cough). For general acute bronchitis, antibiotics are not recommended since it’s often viral.
OTC medications may help ease symptoms of bronchitis. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), can reduce pain, fever, and inflammation associated with bronchitis. Expectorants like Mucinex (guaifenesin) help thin and clear mucus from the lungs. They’re often used alongside cough suppressants (antitussives), such as Delsym and Robitussin, which can help relieve a dry cough. However, antitussives should be avoided if you have a wet, productive cough.
Antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) may help if allergies are triggering your symptoms. If you have acute bronchitis, avoid taking antihistamines as they can dry up secretions and make your cough worse.
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This is not an exhaustive list of bronchitis medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for bronchitis based on your health condition and medical history.
Some common side effects of bronchitis medicine include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Corticosteroids may cause weight gain and mood swings with longer use, while bronchodilators may cause heart palpitations and an upset stomach. This is not a full list of side effects, so talk to a healthcare provider for a complete list of possible adverse events and drug interactions.
Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve with supportive care. In addition to taking medicine, these home remedies may help when you have bronchitis:
Use a humidifier. The moisture from a humidifier can help loosen the mucus in your chest and help you breathe better. Add a drop or two of eucalyptus essential oil to your humidifier to help clear your passageways. Make sure to clean your humidifier daily to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside it.
Gargle with saltwater. Gargling with salt water can help remove some of the mucus that coats and irritates your throat. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in warm water, then gargle the mixture for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Sip on ginger tea. The ginger root has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe your throat.
Coat your throat with honey. Eat a tablespoon of honey on its own, or mix it into herbal tea to help relieve an irritating cough and sore throat.
Avoid irritants. Stay away from irritants like smoke, toxic fumes, dust, allergens, and air pollution. If you work around these substances, wear a mask to prevent inhaling them.
Take supplements. Studies show that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to increased risk and severity of bronchitis. Vitamin D supplementation may help shorten the duration of bronchitis. Additionally, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may help thin out mucus and reduce chronic bronchitis symptoms. The use of supplements is still under research and not regulated by the FDA, so be sure to consult a healthcare provider before taking them.
Rest. Try to get as much rest as you can the first few days after your diagnosis.
Drink clear fluids. When you have bronchitis, it’s important to loosen the mucus in your chest so you can breathe more easily. Aim to drink 8-12 glasses of water, herbal tea, or distilled juice every day, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
For long-term lifestyle changes, consider the following:
Stop smoking. Smoking can irritate your respiratory system and increase your risk of future bronchitis.
Eat a healthy diet. Try to create a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
Exercise at least three times a week. When you exercise, aim to work out for at least 20 minutes each time.
Protect your airways. Wear a surgical mask if you’re regularly exposed to pollutants.
Viral infections typically cause bronchitis, but it can also be caused by bacterial infections or exposure to lung irritants, like tobacco, smoke, dust, or air pollution.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the most common symptom of bronchitis is mucus production, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain or tightness. Fatigue, fever, and a sore throat are also common.
You need a prescription for certain types of bronchitis medications, such as antibiotics, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. But you don't need a prescription for OTC medications like NSAIDs and antihistamines. Even though you don't need a prescription for OTC medications, your healthcare provider can write one to save with SingleCare.
RELATED: Can I use a prescription savings card for over-the-counter (OTC) medications?
If you have chronic bronchitis, your healthcare provider may prescribe doxycycline or amoxicillin to help treat flare-ups caused by bacterial infections. You do not need antibiotics for acute bronchitis, as most cases are viral.
NyQuil and DayQuil may help manage bronchitis symptoms, such as a severe dry cough or congestion, but they aren't a cure. NyQuil and DayQuil shouldn't be used for wet, productive coughs since they often contain cough suppressants. For wet, productive coughs, mucoactive agents (expectorants) like Mucinex are better options.
Bronchitis, UC Davis Health (2024)
Acute bronchitis, StatPearls (2024)
Chronic bronchitis, StatPearls (2025)
Safety and effectiveness of ginger for acute respiratory infections: A systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials, European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2026)
Low vitamin D may raise risk for respiratory infections, Harvard Health Publishing (2026)
N-acetylcysteine: evidence based consensus document on the therapeutic advantages in respiratory diseases (NECTAR), Frontiers in Medicine (2026)
Bronchitis, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2022)
Acute bronchitis: outpatient clinical care for adults, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024)
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