Prevention

You can help prevent acute bronchitis by:

• Avoiding cigarette smoke. If you smoke, stop. People who smoke or are around others who smoke have more frequent bouts of acute bronchitis. Smoke (including secondhand smoke) reduces the body's ability to remove bacteria and viruses that can cause infections in the lungs.
• Wearing a face mask while working around irritants, such as dust. Specially designed masks are available to filter out dangerous chemicals or dust.
• Avoiding contact with those who have an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold, especially if you have an impaired immune system or another medical condition. Wash your hands often during the cold and flu season. If you catch a cold or influenza (flu), you are at an even higher risk for developing bronchitis.
• Discussing with your doctor whether you should get a vaccine for the flu.

If you have had acute bronchitis in the past, you can help avoid getting it again by:

• Avoiding air pollution and other irritants in the air. Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed if air pollution is at a high level.
• Avoiding the use of wood-burning stoves in the winter, if possible.
• Avoiding situations that may trigger an allergic reaction, if you have an allergy.

If you have an upper respiratory tract infection, it never hurts to:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink enough liquids to avoid getting dehydrated.