Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSteamHumidifierGargling SaltwaterSaline Drops or SprayVitamins and HerbsRest UpDrink BrothTry HoneyWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Steam
Humidifier
Gargling Saltwater
Saline Drops or Spray
Vitamins and Herbs
Rest Up
Drink Broth
Try Honey
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Treatment
Prevention
Home remedies for bronchitis may provide some symptom relief as airway passages in the lungs become swollen and start producing mucus. Common bronchitis symptoms include persistent cough, chest soreness, and fatigue.Inhaling steam or trying tea with honey may help but are not a cure for bronchitis or substitute for medical treatment.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images.
1. Breathing Steam
2. Use a Humidifier
You can use ahumidifier or steam vaporizeror breathe vapors from a pot of simmering water, as well as steam in the shower.Using a humidifier in your home adds moisture to the air, which is soothing to your airways and can break up mucus as you breathe.
Opt for a cool-mist humidifier instead of a hot one to prevent accidental burns. Be sure to drain and clean your humidifier every day to prevent bacteria growth.
3. Gargling Saltwater
If you have been experiencing a sore throat with a bout of bronchitis, try gargling with saltwater. The warm water will hydrate and soothe your throat while breaking up mucus.Avoid hot water, though, since it could be irritating to a sore throat.
4. Saline Drops or Spray
Asaline nose spray(or drops for kids) can help break up stubborn mucus and make it easier to get it out. The saline spray will clear out mucus from the nose, providing some relief. It will also hydrate your tissues.
When you have bronchitis, your airways produce mucus, but there is usually a buildup in your nose as well. Saline drops are effective at clearing the nose and helping you feel better while you recover.
5. Ginger
Among the 400 compounds found naturally in ginger are some that are anti-inflammatory.During a bout of bronchitis, your airways are inflamed and irritated. Ginger can reduce the inflammation, helping to ease the cough.
Add some ginger to your tea to soothe your cough. A 2016 study in a journal of alternative medicine found that adding ginger to a diet was effective at reducing cough intuberculosispatients.Try grating fresh ginger and adding it to a recipe, too.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
6. Garlic
Reach for freshgarlicto protect yourself from bronchitis. Research suggests garlic offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune system benefits.A 2016 study found that taking garlic regularly may help prevent bronchitis. Having garlic in your system was shown to inhibit the virus’s effects on the body.
Opt for fresh garlic instead of the powdered form to get all of the health benefits. Try grating some into hot water with lemon, or add it to a plate of steamed vegetables.
7. Vitamin C
There’s some evidence to suggest that boostingvitamin Clevels can relieve upper respiratory symptoms of fever, body aches, and chest pain common with bronchitis.The antioxidant effects also may help people with chronic bronchitis.But study findings aren’t consistent and more research is needed to understand the benefits, specific doses, and more.
That said, there’s no evidence to suggest that taking vitamin C is unsafe or produces adverse effects in most people. Drug interactions are possible, notable with cancer treatment, so be sure your healthcare provider knows if you’re taking vitamin C.
8. Zinc
Zincis a mineral with properties that support immune function and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.Some studies have found that zinc may help to prevent infection, as well as limit the impact of symptoms in people who do develop bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses.
Zinc lozenges are commonly available and generally safe, as are nasal sprays. While some risks are possible, some studies have found that using 50 milligrams (mg) to 180 mg for a week or two won’t cause serious side effects.
9. Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as the purple coneflower, is touted as a home remedy for bronchitis and its respiratory symptoms. Researchers note the medicinal plant shows potential in managing symptoms alongside traditional therapies for bronchitis, asthma, and COPD.
However, although a 2019 review of studies foundechinaceasafe to use, there’s still no strong evidence of its benefit in treating respiratory infections like bronchitis.
10. Rest Up
Rest is essential to recovery since most cases of bronchitis are viral and do not respond to antibiotics.Take time off of school or work if you can, and take plenty of naps throughout the day. Do your best to limit talking as well, as this could irritate your airways and lead to more coughing.
You may find that sleeping in an upright position helps to relieve symptoms and improve rest.
How Long Does Bronchitis Last?Recovery from acute bronchitis typically takes one to three weeks. Only about 6% of cases have a bacterial cause that can be treated with antibiotics, so home remedies and over-the-counter medications may be helpful.
How Long Does Bronchitis Last?
Recovery from acute bronchitis typically takes one to three weeks. Only about 6% of cases have a bacterial cause that can be treated with antibiotics, so home remedies and over-the-counter medications may be helpful.
11. Drink Broth
Drink warm broth to fight mucus and give your body the nutrients it needs. Keep a water bottle with you as well, and stay away from drinks like coffee or soda that dehydrate you.
Doctors Recommend This Hot Drink to Ease Cough Symptoms
12. Try Honey
If hot tea withhoneywas your grandmother’s go-to remedy for a cough, she may have been onto something. Studies have found that honey can help with bronchitis symptoms. It can also soothe a sore throat.
Try swallowing a spoonful of honey or stirring it into your favorite decaffeinated tea. Never give honey to infants younger than 1 year old, however, as it can be dangerous to them.
While many cases of bronchitis can be treated at home, certain signs could indicate that it’s time to see your healthcare provider. If you develop a fever, check in with your practitioner’s office and ask if you need to be seen. Diagnosis can be done with a physical exam but in some cases other tests, such as an X-ray, may be needed.
Also see your practitioner if your symptoms are not improving after 10 days or they start to worsen. If you develop shortness of breath or notice that you are coughing up bloody mucus, seek care right away.
Finally, talk with your healthcare provider if you have been experiencing frequent episodes of bronchitis, as you may require further diagnosis and treatment.
Antibiotics are not usually needed to treat acute bronchitis but a bronchodilator to open the airways may help if symptoms of wheezing occur. Pain relievers,decongestants, andexpectorantsalso may help.
For people with chronic bronchitis, antibiotics may help to fight infection. Steroids and oxygen administration also may be prescribed.Coughing techniques and physiotherapy may help to manage long-term symptoms.
You can take steps to avoid infection and prevent bronchitis symptoms. They include:
If you are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, talk with your healthcare provider about treatment options and steps to prevent symptoms.
Summary
Home remedies for bronchitis can bring relief from symptoms with simple measures. Since antibiotics aren’t used and most cases resolve on their own within a week or two, home remedies like tea with honey or over-the-counter options like saline drops can help.
If symptoms persist or you have a health condition like COPD that may contribute to your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).Kinkade S, Long NA.Acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(7):560-565.S Balakrishnan R, Rohinikumar S, Rajendra Prabhu A, Veeraraghavan VP, Nesappan T, Easwaramoorthy R.Efficacy of mucolytics and steam therapy in the management of sinusitis among Indians.Bioinformation. 2023 Apr 30;19(4):479-483. doi:10.6026/97320630019479MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.National Health Service.Catarrh.Abdullah B, Periasamy C, Ismail R.Nasal irrigation as treatment in sinonasal symptoms relief: a review of its efficacy and clinical applications.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.2019;71(Suppl 3):1718–26. doi:10.1007/s12070-017-1070-0Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ginger Benefits.Kulkarni RA, Deshpande AR.Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of ginger in tuberculosis.J Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(2):201-6. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0032Tudu CK, Dutta T, Ghorai M, Biswas P, Samanta D, Oleksak P,et al.Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of garlic (Allium sativum), a storehouse of diverse phytochemicals: A review of research from the last decade focusing on health and nutritional implications.Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 28;9:949554. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.929554.Mohajer Shojai T, Ghalyanchi Langeroudi A, Karimi V, Barin A, Sadri N.The effect of Allium sativum (garlic) extract on infectious bronchitis virus in specific pathogen free embryonic egg.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(4):458-267.Schloss J, Lauche R, Harnett J, Hannan N, Brown D, Greenfield T, et al.Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review.Adv Integr Med. 2020 Dec;7(4):187-191. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.008Wang S, Teng H, Zhang L, Wu L.Association between dietary antioxidant intakes and chronic respiratory diseases in adults.World Allergy Organ J. 2024 Jan 4;17(1):100851. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2023National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.Rondanelli M, Miccono A, Lamburghini S,et al.Self-care for common colds: the pivotal role of vitamin d, vitamin c, zinc, and echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds—practical advice on dosages and on the time to take these nutrients/botanicals in order to prevent or treat common colds.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2018;2018:5813095. doi:10.1155/2018/5813095Firdaus A, Yunus MH, Izhar SK, Afaq U.Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and their Future Aspects.Recent Pat Biotechnol. 2024 Jan 24. doi:10.2174/0118722083278561231212072408David S, Cunningham R.Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2019 Jun;44:18-26. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.011Yale Medicine.Bronchitis.Widjanarko ND, Subagya JC, Maksi JI, Suryatenggara FG, Sihole SCE.Utilization of apitherapy in allergic asthma: A systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies.Tzu Chi Med J. 2024 Apr 30;36(4):440-451. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_233_23American Lung Association.Bronchitis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bronchitis.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).Kinkade S, Long NA.Acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(7):560-565.S Balakrishnan R, Rohinikumar S, Rajendra Prabhu A, Veeraraghavan VP, Nesappan T, Easwaramoorthy R.Efficacy of mucolytics and steam therapy in the management of sinusitis among Indians.Bioinformation. 2023 Apr 30;19(4):479-483. doi:10.6026/97320630019479MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.National Health Service.Catarrh.Abdullah B, Periasamy C, Ismail R.Nasal irrigation as treatment in sinonasal symptoms relief: a review of its efficacy and clinical applications.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.2019;71(Suppl 3):1718–26. doi:10.1007/s12070-017-1070-0Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ginger Benefits.Kulkarni RA, Deshpande AR.Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of ginger in tuberculosis.J Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(2):201-6. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0032Tudu CK, Dutta T, Ghorai M, Biswas P, Samanta D, Oleksak P,et al.Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of garlic (Allium sativum), a storehouse of diverse phytochemicals: A review of research from the last decade focusing on health and nutritional implications.Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 28;9:949554. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.929554.Mohajer Shojai T, Ghalyanchi Langeroudi A, Karimi V, Barin A, Sadri N.The effect of Allium sativum (garlic) extract on infectious bronchitis virus in specific pathogen free embryonic egg.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(4):458-267.Schloss J, Lauche R, Harnett J, Hannan N, Brown D, Greenfield T, et al.Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review.Adv Integr Med. 2020 Dec;7(4):187-191. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.008Wang S, Teng H, Zhang L, Wu L.Association between dietary antioxidant intakes and chronic respiratory diseases in adults.World Allergy Organ J. 2024 Jan 4;17(1):100851. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2023National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.Rondanelli M, Miccono A, Lamburghini S,et al.Self-care for common colds: the pivotal role of vitamin d, vitamin c, zinc, and echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds—practical advice on dosages and on the time to take these nutrients/botanicals in order to prevent or treat common colds.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2018;2018:5813095. doi:10.1155/2018/5813095Firdaus A, Yunus MH, Izhar SK, Afaq U.Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and their Future Aspects.Recent Pat Biotechnol. 2024 Jan 24. doi:10.2174/0118722083278561231212072408David S, Cunningham R.Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2019 Jun;44:18-26. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.011Yale Medicine.Bronchitis.Widjanarko ND, Subagya JC, Maksi JI, Suryatenggara FG, Sihole SCE.Utilization of apitherapy in allergic asthma: A systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies.Tzu Chi Med J. 2024 Apr 30;36(4):440-451. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_233_23American Lung Association.Bronchitis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bronchitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).Kinkade S, Long NA.Acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(7):560-565.S Balakrishnan R, Rohinikumar S, Rajendra Prabhu A, Veeraraghavan VP, Nesappan T, Easwaramoorthy R.Efficacy of mucolytics and steam therapy in the management of sinusitis among Indians.Bioinformation. 2023 Apr 30;19(4):479-483. doi:10.6026/97320630019479MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.National Health Service.Catarrh.Abdullah B, Periasamy C, Ismail R.Nasal irrigation as treatment in sinonasal symptoms relief: a review of its efficacy and clinical applications.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.2019;71(Suppl 3):1718–26. doi:10.1007/s12070-017-1070-0Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ginger Benefits.Kulkarni RA, Deshpande AR.Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of ginger in tuberculosis.J Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(2):201-6. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0032Tudu CK, Dutta T, Ghorai M, Biswas P, Samanta D, Oleksak P,et al.Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of garlic (Allium sativum), a storehouse of diverse phytochemicals: A review of research from the last decade focusing on health and nutritional implications.Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 28;9:949554. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.929554.Mohajer Shojai T, Ghalyanchi Langeroudi A, Karimi V, Barin A, Sadri N.The effect of Allium sativum (garlic) extract on infectious bronchitis virus in specific pathogen free embryonic egg.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(4):458-267.Schloss J, Lauche R, Harnett J, Hannan N, Brown D, Greenfield T, et al.Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review.Adv Integr Med. 2020 Dec;7(4):187-191. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.008Wang S, Teng H, Zhang L, Wu L.Association between dietary antioxidant intakes and chronic respiratory diseases in adults.World Allergy Organ J. 2024 Jan 4;17(1):100851. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2023National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.Rondanelli M, Miccono A, Lamburghini S,et al.Self-care for common colds: the pivotal role of vitamin d, vitamin c, zinc, and echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds—practical advice on dosages and on the time to take these nutrients/botanicals in order to prevent or treat common colds.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2018;2018:5813095. doi:10.1155/2018/5813095Firdaus A, Yunus MH, Izhar SK, Afaq U.Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and their Future Aspects.Recent Pat Biotechnol. 2024 Jan 24. doi:10.2174/0118722083278561231212072408David S, Cunningham R.Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2019 Jun;44:18-26. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.011Yale Medicine.Bronchitis.Widjanarko ND, Subagya JC, Maksi JI, Suryatenggara FG, Sihole SCE.Utilization of apitherapy in allergic asthma: A systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies.Tzu Chi Med J. 2024 Apr 30;36(4):440-451. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_233_23American Lung Association.Bronchitis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bronchitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chest cold (acute bronchitis).
Kinkade S, Long NA.Acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(7):560-565.
S Balakrishnan R, Rohinikumar S, Rajendra Prabhu A, Veeraraghavan VP, Nesappan T, Easwaramoorthy R.Efficacy of mucolytics and steam therapy in the management of sinusitis among Indians.Bioinformation. 2023 Apr 30;19(4):479-483. doi:10.6026/97320630019479
MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.
National Health Service.Catarrh.
Abdullah B, Periasamy C, Ismail R.Nasal irrigation as treatment in sinonasal symptoms relief: a review of its efficacy and clinical applications.Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.2019;71(Suppl 3):1718–26. doi:10.1007/s12070-017-1070-0
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ginger Benefits.
Kulkarni RA, Deshpande AR.Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of ginger in tuberculosis.J Complement Integr Med. 2016;13(2):201-6. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0032
Tudu CK, Dutta T, Ghorai M, Biswas P, Samanta D, Oleksak P,et al.Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of garlic (Allium sativum), a storehouse of diverse phytochemicals: A review of research from the last decade focusing on health and nutritional implications.Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 28;9:949554. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.929554.
Mohajer Shojai T, Ghalyanchi Langeroudi A, Karimi V, Barin A, Sadri N.The effect of Allium sativum (garlic) extract on infectious bronchitis virus in specific pathogen free embryonic egg.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(4):458-267.
Schloss J, Lauche R, Harnett J, Hannan N, Brown D, Greenfield T, et al.Efficacy and safety of vitamin C in the management of acute respiratory infection and disease: A rapid review.Adv Integr Med. 2020 Dec;7(4):187-191. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.008
Wang S, Teng H, Zhang L, Wu L.Association between dietary antioxidant intakes and chronic respiratory diseases in adults.World Allergy Organ J. 2024 Jan 4;17(1):100851. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2023
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.
Rondanelli M, Miccono A, Lamburghini S,et al.Self-care for common colds: the pivotal role of vitamin d, vitamin c, zinc, and echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds—practical advice on dosages and on the time to take these nutrients/botanicals in order to prevent or treat common colds.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2018;2018:5813095. doi:10.1155/2018/5813095
Firdaus A, Yunus MH, Izhar SK, Afaq U.Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases and their Future Aspects.Recent Pat Biotechnol. 2024 Jan 24. doi:10.2174/0118722083278561231212072408
David S, Cunningham R.Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2019 Jun;44:18-26. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.011
Yale Medicine.Bronchitis.
Widjanarko ND, Subagya JC, Maksi JI, Suryatenggara FG, Sihole SCE.Utilization of apitherapy in allergic asthma: A systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies.Tzu Chi Med J. 2024 Apr 30;36(4):440-451. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_233_23
American Lung Association.Bronchitis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bronchitis.
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