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Treatment of tracheobronchitis
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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When choosing a drug to eliminate tracheobronchitis, a comprehensive approach is used. Thus, if the malaise is caused by viruses or a bacterial infection, then drug therapy is indicated. The choice of drug depends entirely on the factors that caused the inflammation.
Main groups of medications:
- Antiviral and antibacterial agents are drugs with a broad spectrum of action that are active against many viruses and bacteria: Aflubin, Anaferon, Arbidol.
Read more about the use of antibiotics for tracheobronchitis here.
- Medicines with antitussive and expectorant action - mucolytics effectively remove phlegm from the lungs. Most often, Lazolvan, Ambroxol, Gedelix or Bromhexine are prescribed.
Phytotherapy has proven itself well. To relieve unpleasant symptoms, steam inhalations and inhalations with herbal infusions are used. As a rule, 5-7 procedures are enough to improve well-being, the average duration of which is 5-10 minutes. You can use ready-made inhalers or nebulizers. The latter spray medicinal particles that penetrate the affected parts of the bronchi and trachea.
Cycloferon
Cycloferon is an immunomodulatory, antiviral agent. It is a high-molecular inducer of endogenous interferon formation. It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antiproliferative effects. It is available as an injection solution in ampoules, tablets and ointment for external use.
- To eliminate inflammatory processes in the bronchi and trachea, take 2-4 tablets once a day. About 10-20 capsules are used throughout the course. Treatment of tracheobronchitis is combined with expectorants, antipyretics and painkillers.
- Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, for internal use and parenteral administration in decompensated liver cirrhosis or allergic reactions to the components of the drug.
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Salbutamol for tracheobronchitis
Salbutamol – stimulates bronchial beta-adrenergic receptors, has a bronchodilatory effect, but does not cause cardiovascular disorders. It is available in the form of tablets, syrup, metered-dose aerosol, inhalation powder, inhalation solutions and injection solution.
- Effective for chronic and recurrent lesions of the upper and lower respiratory tract.
- The dosage is selected individually for each patient. Adults and children over 12 years old are prescribed 1-2 tablets 3-4 times a day, if necessary, the dose is increased. For inhalation administration, the dosage depends on the dosage form. The aerosol helps relieve bronchospasms and facilitates breathing with a dry cough.
- Overdose causes side effects: tremors of the limbs and muscles, increased heart rate, dilation of peripheral vessels. Use with caution in thyroid diseases, during pregnancy and lactation, arterial hypertension.
Berodual for tracheobronchitis
Berodual is a drug with pronounced bronchodilator properties. The active ingredients are ipratropium bromide and fenoterol. Fenoterol has a bronchodilator effect, stimulates beta2-adrenoreceptors of the bronchi, and the second substance eliminates the cholinergic effect on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract. The complex of these ingredients significantly increases the therapeutic effect of any treatment.
- It is used as a supportive therapy and in the prevention of respiratory failure and obstructive respiratory diseases. It helps to reduce bronchospasms, systematic asthma attacks. It can be taken as a preparatory agent before aerosol administration of mucolytics, antibiotics or corticosteroids.
- Adults and children over 3 years of age are prescribed 1-2 doses of a metered aerosol three times a day. Inhalation solution - 2-8 drops 3-6 times a day with a break of at least 2 hours. When used simultaneously with corticosteroids, the therapeutic effect of all drugs is enhanced.
- Main side effects: visual impairment, limb tremor, increased heart rate, tachyarrhythmia and increased intraocular pressure. Contraindicated in pregnancy and concomitantly with non-cardioselective beta-blockers or xanthine derivatives.
Inhalations for tracheobronchitis
Inhalations are effective methods of eliminating chronic, acute and obstructive inflammation. The therapeutic effect is due to the direct effect of medicinal and biologically active substances on the focus of the disease. Inhalations have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and mucolytic effect. The procedure reduces the viscosity of sputum and facilitates its removal, relieves swelling and spasms of the bronchial tree.
The main types of therapeutic inhalations:
- Steam – the therapeutic effect is provided by steam, with the help of which medicinal substances penetrate into the bronchi when inhaled. This reduces irritation of the mucous membrane, accelerates the blood circulation process and improves metabolism. Decoctions of medicinal plants and essential oils are used for the procedure.
- Heat-moisture – the mucous membrane is exposed to high temperature and steam. This eliminates dryness and irritation, liquefies and removes phlegm, and improves blood circulation. For this, solutions of medicinal herbs, antibiotics, mineral salts, and other agents are used.
- Oily – rarely used, but help create a protective film on the affected mucous membrane. This prevents the harmful effects of mechanical and chemical irritants.
- Wet – aerosols, bronchodilators, painkillers, antibiotics and enzymes penetrate into the bronchi.
Infusions, aromatic oils, mucolytics and antibiotics are used for inhalation. The procedure can be carried out using a nebulizer; 4% gentamicin, 0.5% dioxidine, interferon, fluimucil and other agents are used for this. Mucolytics liquefy sputum and help to expectorate it, eliminate dry cough. Lazolvan mixed with saline or Atrovent are suitable for the procedure. Any of the agents can be used only as prescribed by a doctor with concomitant indications. At home, essential oils, soda solution and medicinal herbs are used for inhalation. For recovery, 6-8 procedures of 5-10 minutes are recommended.
Fluimucil inhalations for tracheobronchitis
Fluimucil is a drug used for inflammatory diseases, including the treatment of tracheobronchitis. It is produced in the form of a solution with a weak sulfur smell. It is included in the group of expectorant mucolytic drugs. It liquefies and facilitates the removal of sputum, has an anti-inflammatory effect. The active component is acetylcysteine, released in ampoules.
Acetylcysteine affects the upper and lower respiratory tract:
- Increases mucus production.
- Liquefies mucous and purulent-mucous sputum on the surface of the trachea, bronchi and paranasal sinuses.
- It is not an antibiotic, but when used in combination therapy it has an antimicrobial effect.
- Cleanses the paranasal sinuses and bronchi.
- By activating immune cells, it has an anti-inflammatory effect.
The ampoules are diluted with saline or boiled water 1:1, the solution should be used within 48 hours. For children over 12 years old and adults, 3 ml is prescribed twice a day, the course should not exceed 10 days. Fluimucil is contraindicated in combination with intramuscular antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline, as the effectiveness of all medications is reduced.
Inhalations are not performed if there is a risk of pulmonary hemorrhage, spastic lesions or bronchial asthma. Absolute contraindications are: allergic reactions, pregnancy, lactation, age of patients under two years and diseases of the hematopoietic system.
Pulmicort for tracheobronchitis
Pulmicort is a synthetic drug from the glucocorticosteroid category, used for inhalation. Most often used for bronchial asthma and damage to the upper respiratory tract, as it affects all links of the pathological process. Glucocorticosteroid receptors regulate the synthesis of various substances, due to which the therapeutic effect occurs. It has low lyophilicity, so it easily penetrates the mucous secretion in the bronchi. It penetrates tissues, but its metabolites are not carried through the plasma, which indicates high selectivity with respect to lung tissue.
- Inhalation powder reduces bronchial obstruction in allergic reactions of early and late stages. The substance reduces the severity of swelling, sputum formation and hyperreactivity of the respiratory system. It is used to eliminate and prevent respiratory system lesions of varying degrees.
- Suspensions are used for inhalation through a nebulizer. The dosage is individual, but should not exceed 1000 mcg per day. For children from 6 months, 250-500 mcg per day is used, for adults 1000-2000 mcg per day. The maintenance dose is: 250-2000 mcg per day for children and 500-4000 mcg per day for adults.
- The medicine is well tolerated, but side effects are possible. Most often, candidal lesions of the oral cavity and pharynx, irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and cough occur. From the side of the central nervous system, nervousness, headaches and depression occur. Allergic and dermatological reactions are also possible.
- It is prohibited to use in case of individual intolerance to the active components. With special caution it is prescribed for liver cirrhosis, pulmonary tuberculosis (active, inactive form), viral, bacterial and fungal lesions of the respiratory organs. During pregnancy it can be used only if the benefit to the mother is higher than the risks to the fetus.
- Overdose does not cause clinical symptoms. If overdose is chronic, it may cause adrenal suppression, weight gain, muscle weakness, striae, and hypertension.
Compresses for tracheobronchitis
The effectiveness of compresses is explained by the absorption of medications through the skin surface directly into the inflammation site. They relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory muscles and bronchi, improve blood circulation. Compresses must be applied correctly, as the effectiveness of eliminating painful symptoms depends on this.
- They are applied to the feet, chest and back, the mixtures used for this purpose are prohibited from being applied directly to the body.
- The compress must be well secured if it is applied overnight. It is recommended to wrap the application site well.
- Warming compresses are contraindicated in case of elevated temperature.
Folk recipes:
- Take a head of garlic, crush it and mix with a beaten egg. Lubricate two pieces of soft cloth with the mixture and place them on polyethylene. Apply to the chest and back, fixing with a towel. After removing, the skin should be washed and a nourishing cream applied.
- Mix flour, honey and mustard powder in equal proportions. Roll the mixture into a flat cake and place it on your chest. This remedy is more effective than mustard plasters, warms up the bronchi perfectly, and can be used to treat children.
- Lubricate the chest with liquid honey, and put a napkin soaked in vodka diluted with water 1:1 on top. You need to put cellophane on top and wrap it up. Compresses are applied twice a day, and are only allowed for use by adults.
Mustard plasters for tracheobronchitis
Mustard plasters have a local irritant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Since mustard powder contains essential oils, when interacting with heat, they are released and irritate the nerve endings of the skin. This increases blood circulation and accelerates the production of biologically active components that resist infection.
Mustard plasters are contraindicated in the presence of malignant neoplasms, tuberculosis, lung cancer, high temperature and bleeding. They are prohibited to put on birthmarks, moles, bone protrusions, the heart area, mammary glands and kidneys. They are not prescribed to pediatric patients, as this can cause skin burns.
Technique for applying mustard plasters:
- The water should be warm, as high temperatures cause mustard to lose its properties.
- Sachets of mustard powder are soaked in water, pressed tightly against the skin and covered with a towel.
- Placed on the upper chest, back, between and under the shoulder blades.
- The procedure lasts 15-30 minutes, but if you have pain or sensitive skin, it is better to shorten the procedure. Moderate heat and burning are normal sensations.
- After the period has elapsed, the mustard plaster should be removed, the skin should be thoroughly wiped and the remains of the medicine should be removed. The redness of the skin should be moderate and should pass in a couple of hours. During the treatment, you should avoid bathing and showering.
Syrup for tracheobronchitis
The syrup is effective at the initial stage of the inflammatory process, with its help the treatment is without complications and much faster. As a rule, patients use anti-inflammatory and expectorant syrups. The action of the drugs is aimed at removing particles of sputum, viruses and bacteria from the bronchi. This restores the functions of the upper and lower respiratory tract, reduces inflammation of the mucous membrane and spasms.
It is best to use plant-based syrups: Lazolvan, Broncholitin, Ambroxol, Bronchipret, Flavamed, Evakbal. Such syrups can be given to children and used during pregnancy.
- At the initial stage of the disease, when a dry cough appears, syrup based on plantain will help eliminate unpleasant symptoms. The medicine turns a dry cough into a wet one, removes phlegm. It is approved for use after reaching two years.
- Syrup based on licorice root not only relieves cough, but also has a beneficial effect on the lungs, bronchi and trachea. It does not have a toxic effect on the kidneys and liver.
- Combination drugs, for example, Broncholitin syrup combines several components at the same time. It is made on the basis of glaucine and basil oil. It has a calming, thinning and anti-edematous effect. It helps to expand the lumen of the respiratory tract and makes breathing easier. It is prescribed for wet cough, as it has antibacterial properties.
Please note that only a qualified doctor can select an effective syrup.
Treatment of tracheobronchitis with folk remedies
Folk remedies for eliminating inflammatory lesions of the upper respiratory tract are especially popular and effective. As a rule, for inflammation of the thin tracheal membrane and large bronchi, the following ingredients of folk medicine are used: potatoes, cherry leaves, apricots and cabbage, for the preparation of infusions, compresses, inhalations. Infusions and decoctions of juniper, clover or white deadnettle have an expectorant effect, so they are indispensable for severe coughs.
But do not forget about the individual intolerance of some herbs. For example, nettle causes diarrhea and painful symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract in some, while coltsfoot causes diarrhea in others. Therefore, before using this or that recipe, it is better to consult a doctor.
Collections of herbs, roots and flowers of plants for inhalation:
- Herbal inhalations can help get rid of a cough and quickly remove phlegm accumulated in the bronchi. Garlic is best suited for this. Chop a couple of cloves, place them in a mug and inhale for 5-7 minutes 1-2 times a day. After five days of such therapy, the painful symptoms will go away. This method can be used during the cold season.
- Mix 15 g of mullein, 10 g of succession and plantain, pour 120 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 1-2 hours. Strain the infusion through three layers of gauze and use for inhalation.
- Combine 5 g of wild rosemary branches and leaves with 5 g of motherwort and 10 g of coltsfoot, pour boiling water over and leave for 6-8 hours. After this, strain the medicine and inhale.
- 2 g of bloodwort herb, 3 g of marshmallow root, yarrow and 1 g of thyme leaves, pour boiling water over it, let it brew, strain and use for inhalation.
Parmelia for tracheobronchitis
Parmelia or cut grass is an above-ground lichen. The medicinal raw material is the thallus, which is harvested in the spring. The plant has a unique chemical composition. The thallus contains usnic acid, which is a natural antibiotic, and vitamin C. The composition includes tannins and carbohydrates (similar in composition to fiber).
The plant has antiseptic, bactericidal, hemostatic, softening and wound-healing effects. When applied externally, the decoction perfectly cleans ulcers and purulent wounds, stops bleeding.
Folk recipes using parmelia:
- A decoction in milk helps with tuberculosis and chronic cough. Mix a spoonful of crushed thalli with 500 ml of milk. The mixture should be simmered in a water bath for an hour and infused for 2 hours. Then strain, add two spoons of honey or propolis syrup. Take ½ cup of the decoction before meals up to five times a day.
- The decoction can be prepared with water. To do this, pour 300 ml of water over a spoon of the plant, boil it for an hour in a water bath and leave it for 1.5-2 hours. The medicine is taken 2 spoons before each meal. The course of treatment is 30 days. The finished decoction can be stored for no more than two days.
In rare cases, Parmelia causes allergic reactions. The drug is not used in case of individual intolerance to usnic acid. It is used with special caution during the treatment of tracheobronchitis during pregnancy and lactation, with persistent hypertension and in children under six years of age. The drug does not have a psycho-emotional effect and does not affect the speed of reactions.
If you do not have a special inhaler, you can use steam procedures. But for this you need to follow safety rules: inhale air from 30-40 cm from the container with the tincture.