10 common signs and treatments of acute bronchitis

8. Medications

Usually, acute bronchitis does not require antibiotic treatment, as it is a self-limiting illness most often caused by a virus. In the rare instance of a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Symptom treatment is typically sufficient; pain relievers like Tylenol or anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can reduce fever, headache, and sore throat if present. If a person has other conditions, such as COPD, doctors may prescribe inhalers, corticosteroids, and sometimes targeted antibiotics.