This condition is usually sparked by a virus, but it can also be sparked by bacteria.

In most cases, acute bronchitis resolves on its own.

Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and supportive care, such as drinking lots of fluid and resting.

man sick at home drinking tea

Jelena Stanojkovic / Getty Images

In most cases, the infection just has to run its course.

They will want to rule outchronic bronchitisor other respiratory problems.

These include beta2agonists, a bronchodilator that typically comes in the form of an inhaler.

Doctor Discussion Guide Old Man

The same goes for acute bronchitis.

Instead, honey is viewed as a generally safe and effective alternative for manufactured medications.

Summary

Acute bronchitis doesn’t generally require treatment and resolves on its own.

The best things to do are getting plenty of rest and fluids and letting your infection run its course.

A Word From Verywell

Acute bronchitis is unpleasant but short-lived.

It usually clears up on its own.

Even if your acute bronchitis is because of bacteria, antibiotics generally won’t help.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).

Kinkade S, Long NA.Acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician.

94(7):560-565.