Q:

In the past I've had bronchitis many times, and I feel it coming on now. What I'm wondering is what I can do to reduce the duration of the cough, or prevent it from becoming full-blown (like it usually does) and lasting from 2-3 months. Obviously, I know that dressing warmly, drinking fluids and resting a lot will help, but what else can you recommend? Mostly it's stressful for me because the continual cough is distracting and makes it impossible to focus on any activity for very much time.

A:

When you have frequent viral infections that affect the bronchial tubes, you need to avoid breathing in irritating substances, such as smoke, dust, molds or pollens if you are sensitive. You need to keep well hydrated, and breathe steam if you are starting to cough, to keep your mucus thin. Some people benefit from a bronchodilator inhaler when they get sick to decrease bronchospasm that aggravates the cough, so you may want to consider being evaluated for a prescription inhaler.