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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have frequent, repeated attacks of bronchitis, the culprit may be something in your environment. Cold, damp locations — especially combined with air pollution or tobacco smoke — can make you more susceptible to acute bronchitis. When the problem is severe, you may need to consider changing where and how you live and work.
These measures also may help lower your risk of bronchitis and protect your lungs in general:
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke increases your risk of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Try to avoid people who have colds or flu. The less you're exposed to the viruses that lead to bronchitis, the lower your risk of getting it. Avoid crowds during flu season.
- Get an annual flu vaccine. Many cases of acute bronchitis result from influenza, a virus. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu, which in turn, may reduce your risk of bronchitis.
- Ask your doctor about a pneumonia shot. If you're older than 60 or you have risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease and emphysema, consider having a pneumonia shot. In addition, a vaccine known as Prevnar can help protect young children against pneumonia. It's recommended for all children under age 2 and for children 2 to 5 years old who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease, such as those with an immune system deficiency, asthma, cardiovascular disease or sickle cell anemia. Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine are generally minor and include mild soreness or swelling at the injection site. If you had a pneumonia shot five or more years ago, your doctor may recommend that you get another one.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizers regularly. To reduce your risk of catching a viral infection, wash your hands frequently and get in the habit of using hand sanitizers. And don't touch the inside of your nose or rub your eyes.
- When practical, wear a mask. If you have to spend a lot of time around other people who are coughing and sneezing, it's a good idea to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose to reduce your risk of infection.
- What is bronchitis? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/brnchi/brnchi_whatis.html. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
- Acute bronchitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec05/ch051/ch051a.html. Accessed Feb. 11, 2009.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-ppv.pdf. Accessed Feb. 25, 2009.
- Chronic bronchitis. American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=2058829&content_id={C79758B1-B58D-45C4-851D-2FD12958D1E3}¬oc=1. Accessed Feb. 25, 2009.
- Wei J, et al. Chinese medicinal herbs for acute bronchitis (review). Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. 2008:CD004560.
- Agbabiaka T, et al. Pelargonium sidoides for acute bronchitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine 2008;15:378.
- Long MD, et al. Extra-esophageal GERD: Clinical dilemma of epidemiology versus clinical practice. Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2007;9:195.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-PneumoConjugate.pdf. Accessed Jan. 25, 2009.
