Rest and avoid strenuous activity
Drink plenty of fluids (water, warm tea, broths)
Use a humidifier or take warm steam showers to loosen mucus
Use saline nasal spray or rinse to reduce post-nasal drip
Take honey (1–2 teaspoons) for cough relief (avoid if under age 1)
Use throat lozenges or warm salt-water gargles for throat irritation
Consider OTC pain/fever relief: acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if safe for you)
Consider OTC cough remedies as needed (follow label directions)
If wheezing or shortness of breath: ask a clinician about a bronchodilator inhaler
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid air irritants (dust, strong fumes, perfumes)
Keep indoor air clean; change HVAC filters if possible
If prescribed previously, use inhaled asthma/COPD medications as directed
Seek urgent care if: trouble breathing, chest pain, bluish lips, confusion, severe weakness, dehydration, or oxygen levels are low
Seek medical care promptly if: fever persists >3 days, symptoms last >3 weeks, you have blood in sputum, recurrent bronchitis, or you’re high-risk (age >65, pregnancy, heart/lung disease, immune suppression)
Ask a clinician whether antibiotics are appropriate if bacterial infection is suspected (most acute bronchitis is viral)