Can acute bronchitis drink alcohol?

Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
Updated on February 07, 2025
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For acute bronchitis, it is generally not recommended to drink alcohol. Patients with acute bronchitis are advised to consume a light diet, avoiding spicy, irritating, and greasy foods, and to refrain from drinking alcohol, coffee, and strong tea. Patients with acute bronchitis, especially those who consume large amounts of alcohol, may experience a decrease in immunity and can even develop complications like pneumonia. Sometimes, acute bronchitis can also be accompanied by bacterial infections, and patients might need to take oral antibiotics for treatment. If a patient with acute bronchitis takes cephalosporin antibiotics, it is absolutely necessary to avoid alcohol, as alcohol can interact with cephalosporins and potentially trigger a disulfiram-like reaction, which in severe cases can lead to sudden stopping of breathing and heart function, posing a life-threatening risk. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How to prevent acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is relatively common in clinical practice, especially among elderly and frail patients. Common symptoms include fever, cough, expectoration, chest tightness, and more. To prevent acute bronchitis, it is important to exercise regularly, enhance physical fitness, rest adequately, balance work and rest, and avoid overwork and staying up late. During seasons when colds are prevalent, it is advisable to drink more water, ensure room ventilation to prevent colds, and strive to improve the living and sanitary conditions to keep the air fresh. Active treatment should be sought for those with upper respiratory infections, such as diseases in the nose, pharynx, or larynx areas.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is acute bronchitis contagious?

Acute bronchitis is somewhat contagious, mostly caused by viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, or staphylococci due to inflammatory irritation. It can spread through respiratory secretions and expelled air containing pathogens. If a healthy person comes into contact with these pathogens, they may get infected. Therefore, acute bronchitis can be contagious. It is advisable to promptly disinfect indoor air, drink plenty of water, rest adequately, select sensitive antimicrobial drugs to kill the pathogens, and treat symptoms accordingly.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
59sec home-news-image

Can acute bronchitis drink alcohol?

For acute bronchitis, it is generally not recommended to drink alcohol. Patients with acute bronchitis are advised to consume a light diet, avoiding spicy, irritating, and greasy foods, and to refrain from drinking alcohol, coffee, and strong tea. Patients with acute bronchitis, especially those who consume large amounts of alcohol, may experience a decrease in immunity and can even develop complications like pneumonia. Sometimes, acute bronchitis can also be accompanied by bacterial infections, and patients might need to take oral antibiotics for treatment. If a patient with acute bronchitis takes cephalosporin antibiotics, it is absolutely necessary to avoid alcohol, as alcohol can interact with cephalosporins and potentially trigger a disulfiram-like reaction, which in severe cases can lead to sudden stopping of breathing and heart function, posing a life-threatening risk. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
48sec home-news-image

What medicine is good for acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, often caused by pathogenic microbial infections, as well as physical and chemical factors and allergic factors. Patients experience symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, fever, and wheezing. Generally, acute bronchitis does not require intravenous fluid treatment. It can be cured within two to three weeks through oral medication, such as oral anti-inflammatory drugs and oral cough suppressants and asthma relievers. However, in some cases, such as when symptoms are relatively severe, there is a bacterial infection, and oral medication is difficult, intravenous antibiotics can be considered for treatment.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
1min 16sec home-news-image

How to treat acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchi caused by various pathogenic factors and is relatively common in clinical practice. Symptoms mainly include coughing, production of sputum, and some patients may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, fever, and blood in the sputum. For initial instances of acute bronchitis, it is important to first ensure rest, increase fluid intake, avoid fatigue, and avoid exposure to cold. Secondly, symptomatic treatment should be considered; cough suppressants can be used for coughs that are dry or produce little sputum, and expectorants should be used when the cough produces sputum that is difficult to expel. If there is chest tightness and wheezing, asthma medications should be chosen. If fever is present, antipyretic and analgesic medications should be used for symptomatic treatment. Thirdly, the use of antibiotics is appropriate only when there is evidence of bacterial infection; otherwise, it is best to avoid them. Treatment with antibiotics should be under a doctor's guidance, and self-medication should be avoided. With the above treatments, acute bronchitis can generally be controlled, but a minority of patients with weaker constitutions may develop chronic conditions.