Apply warm, moist heat or a hot water bottle over the chest and back before bedtime. This will help relieve congestion and aid in sleep. Avoid fatigue and chilling. Do not walk barefoot on cold floors while you are trying to get well. If the coughing gets worse, there is a high fever, wheezing sounds, lethargy, and weakness.
Chest pains develop and very difficult breathing.
If the condition persists over too long a time, there is the possibility of tuberculosis or lung cancer. A professional can use bronchoscopy instruments to examine the bronchial tubes and suction out phlegm. In recent years, a new type of bronchitis has arisen, which is contracted primarily by women. Difficult to treat, it often continues for 3 weeks to 5 months. Drinking goldenseal tea is helpful with this condition, as well as with other types of bronchitis.