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How Long Does Recovery From Viral Bronchitis Take?

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Posted on Wed, 1 Feb 2017
Question: How long does viral bronchitis hang on for? I am on second round of steroids and now have considerable rib pain from cough. Been going on since thanksgiving. Cat scan clear of pnunemonia.
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Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
A common cold caused by a viral infection with predominant cough

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

Viral bronchitis is an infection like a common cold, caused by a virus which has the main symptom the cough. Since it is a virus, it will take some time but will go away by itself, so doesn't need antibiotics because they won't help.

Take something for the cough in the local pharmacy, to soften the secretions if you have a cough with sputum, or something to stop the cough reflex if you have a dry cough.
Take Ibuprofen of any other painkiller for the pain in the ribs, because it is muscular.

It will need 3-4 weeks to go away, and a bit more if you are a smoker.

If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1803 Questions

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How Long Does Recovery From Viral Bronchitis Take?

Brief Answer: A common cold caused by a viral infection with predominant cough Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. Viral bronchitis is an infection like a common cold, caused by a virus which has the main symptom the cough. Since it is a virus, it will take some time but will go away by itself, so doesn't need antibiotics because they won't help. Take something for the cough in the local pharmacy, to soften the secretions if you have a cough with sputum, or something to stop the cough reflex if you have a dry cough. Take Ibuprofen of any other painkiller for the pain in the ribs, because it is muscular. It will need 3-4 weeks to go away, and a bit more if you are a smoker. If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr. Papaqako