Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Non-pharmacological management strategies for patients with acute bronchitis include:
- Providing written information and advice to patients, such as NHS resources on chest infections, to support understanding and self-care.
- Encouraging symptomatic treatment and self-care measures as the mainstay of management, since acute bronchitis is usually self-limiting and symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.
- Reassuring patients that routine follow-up is not necessary unless symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly, at which point reassessment is advised to exclude more serious conditions.
- Promoting self-care strategies to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and general practice consultations.
Pharmacological treatments such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and mucolytics are generally not recommended unless there is an underlying airway disease like asthma.
Overall, the focus is on education, reassurance, and symptomatic management without routine pharmacological intervention in otherwise healthy individuals.
References: NICE CKS