Steroids For Bronchitis: Risks vs Benefits For Symptom Relief

Understanding Bronchitis and When Steroids May Help

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air into and out of the lungs. There are two main types of bronchitis:

• Acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation usually caused by a virus. It normally resolves within a few weeks.
• Chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation and mucus production in the lungs. It is often due to environmental factors like cigarette smoke or air pollution.

In most cases of acute bronchitis, antibiotics or steroids are not recommended as treatment. The infection usually has to run its course. However, steroids like prednisone may help relieve symptoms in some instances when the airways become severely inflamed or constricted.

When Are Steroids Used for Bronchitis?

Steroids reduce inflammation and open up the airways. Doctors may prescribe steroid medication for short-term bronchitis symptom relief if:

• You are having severe difficulty breathing due to inflamed, constricted airways.
• You have an underlying lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma that is being exacerbated.
• You have other complicating health factors.

Risks Associated with Steroid Use

While steroids may provide immediate relief of bronchitis symptoms, they can have side effects when used long-term. These include problems like:

• Increased risk of infection
• Adrenal gland suppression
• Weakening of bones (osteoporosis)
• Impaired wound healing
• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention

Treating Acute Viral Bronchitis Without Steroids

Since most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, antibiotics are typically not used as they are ineffective against viruses. Doctors also minimize steroid use to avoid side effects unless breathing difficulty becomes severe.

So what can you safely do at home to get symptom relief?

Get Plenty of Rest

Whenever you have an infection, your body needs extra rest to combat germs and heal. Go to bed earlier and nap during the day if needed. Avoid strenuous exercise which can aggravate coughing.

Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of fluids like water, broths, electrolyte beverages, and caffeine-free teas. Warm liquids, like chicken soup, honey lemonade, and decaffeinated tea can be especially soothing. Fluids keep respiratory secretions thin and easy to expel.

Use a Humidifier

Using a cool mist humidifier adds moisture back to dry inflamed airways. This can loosen mucus secretions and relieve coughing and breathing difficulties. Just be sure to keep humidifiers clean to avoid spreading germs.

Soothe Your Throat

Cough drops, throat sprays, or gargling with saltwater can temporarily numb and soothe an irritated throat. Avoid medicated cough suppressants, especially if you have productive coughs as this gets mucus out of the lungs.

Consider Over-the-Counter Medications

OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce fever, headaches, muscle aches, and sore throat pain associated with bronchitis. Nasal saline sprays can ease congestion. Always read labels carefully and don’t exceed dosage recommendations.

Avoid Irritants

Don’t smoke or vape, and steer clear of secondhand smoke, strong fragrances, incense,dust, air pollution, cleaning agents, and paint fumes as these can further aggravate airway inflammation.

Consider Supplements

Some natural supplements like vitamin C, elderberry syrups, echinacea, and zinc may help boost your immune system to fight the virus. But check with your doctor about dosage and safety, especially if you take other medications.

When to See Your Doctor

In most cases acute bronchitis starts to improve after a week or two. But see your doctor promptly if:

• Your cough lasts longer than 3 weeks
• Your symptoms significantly worsen
• You have difficulty breathing or chest pains
• You have a high fever, recurrent fevers, chills, or sweats
• You cough up blood-tinged mucus
• You have underlying heart or lung disease
• You have diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system from illnesses like HIV or cancer treatment

Those at higher risk of complications may need closer monitoring, medications to ease airway inflammation and constriction, oxygen therapy, or even hospitalization for more intensive respiratory support.

When Are Antibiotics Prescribed?

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics if you develop a secondary bacterial infection of the lungs or bronchi on top of the virus. This could result in pneumonia or bronchitis symptoms that persist or recur after initially improving. Signs of a bacterial infection include:

• Thick, discolored mucus
• High fevers, chills, chest pain
• Worsening cough, breathing difficulty after improvement

So in summary, while steroids are not routinely prescribed for acute bronchitis, they may provide temporary relief when airway inflammation and breathing difficulty become severe. However, they come with substantial side effects especially with prolonged use. For uncomplicated acute bronchitis caused by viruses, manage symptoms at home with fluids, rest, humidity and OTC medications. See your doctor if symptoms persist or significantly worsen as antibiotics or additional interventions may be needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.