Amoxicillin, the antibiotic doctors often prescribe for persistent coughs caused by uncomplicated chest infections such as bronchitis, is no more effective at easing symptoms than no medication at all, even in older patients.

Home remedies for chest infection

• Take OTC medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your fever and help relieve any aches and pains.
• Use OTC decongestants or expectorants to help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
• Be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of fluids.

Things you can do yourself

1. get plenty of rest.
2. drink lots of water to loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough up.
3. raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus.
4. use painkillers to bring down a fever and ease headaches and muscle pain.

In most cases, chest infections from viral sources — such as the common cold — do not require prescription medical treatment. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as ibuprofen or a cough and cold medication, to ease symptoms.

Coughing and blowing your nose are the best ways to help mucus fight the good fight. “Coughing is good,” Dr. Boucher says. “When you cough up mucus when you are sick, you are essentially clearing the bad guys—viruses or bacteria—from your body.”

Coughing that starts out dry is often the first sign of acute bronchitis. Small amounts of white mucus may be coughed up if the bronchitis is viral. If the color of the mucus changes to green or yellow, it may be a sign that a bacterial infection has also set in.

When you cough up thick, solid white mucus, it might be a signal that you have a bacterial infection in your airways. This type of an infection could require prescription antibiotics from your doctor.

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis Chest congestion, where your chest feels full or clogged. Coughing — you may cough up a lot of mucus that’s clear, white, yellow, or green. Shortness of breath. Wheezing or a whistling sound when you breathe.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.

Relief for Acute Bronchitis

1. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Try eight to 12 glasses a day to help thin out that mucus and make it easier to cough up.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin to help with pain.

Although keeping hydrated helps remove secretions into the bronchi, other treatments (for example, Mucinex, Robitussin and others that contain guaifenesin) can sometimes help clear secretions.

It is concluded that Vaporub is effective in decreasing restlessness in children suffering from acute bronchitis.

Sleeping flat on your side or back causes mucus to build up in your throat, which triggers a cough. The ideal way to prevent this is to raise the level of your head by using more pillows. Another option is to utilize a wedge that will raise both your head and neck.

Sleeping Position A:

1. Lie on your side.
2. Place a pillow between your knees.
3. Elevate your head with a pillow or two.
4. Keep your back as straight as possible.
5. Relax and use your breathing techniques.