Acute bronchitis: to treat or not to treat?

Acute bronchitis (AB) is a common acute respiratory infection due to inflammation in the bronchial wall. The main feature is cough, which is mostly productive and can be prolonged and distressing. It is the most common reason for seeking medical care. Most cases of AB are associated with respiratory viruses. The diagnosis is usually established clinically with a mandatory assessment of the symptoms indicating an increased risk of bacterial infection. In some cases, pneumonia must be excluded. In most cases, antibacterial therapy is not indicated. Research shows that a significant proportion of patients with AB receive unreasonable or ineffective therapy, including antibiotics. The article reveals the limitations and possibilities of AB therapy, primarily aimed at reducing the severity and duration of cough. The data on the effectiveness of herbal medicine are presented. One widely used herbal drug with proven efficacy is Bronchipret, which has anti-inflammatory, secretolytic, and antispasmodic effects.