If you have Bronchitis - How Do You Treat it?

I went back and re-read the Emergency Room's discharge papers, and learned that the diagnosis was acute upper respiratory infection, asthma and BRONCHITIS! I've never had Bronchitis before, so I looked it up. Apparently the coughing can last up to TWO WEEKS. I've had it 10 days and I'm worn out with it. **IF YOU HAVE BRONCHITIS, HOW DO YOU TREAT IT?**
Here's what I learned about Bronchitis:
Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs. It occurs when the trachea (windpipe) and the large and small bronchi (airways) within the lungs become inflamed because of infection or other causes.
* The thin mucous lining of these airways can become irritated and swollen.
* The cells that make up this lining may leak fluids in response to the inflammation.
* Coughing is a reflex that works to clear secretions from the lungs. Often the discomfort of a severe cough leads you to seek medical treatment.
* Bronchitis occurs most often during the cold and flu season, usually coupled with an upper respiratory infection.
You may see symptoms such as fever with chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
SYMPTOMS: * Cough is a common symptom of bronchitis. The cough may be dry or may produce phlegm. Significant phlegm production suggests that the lower respiratory tract and the lung itself may be infected, and you may have pneumonia.
* The cough may last for more than two weeks.
* Wheezing may occur because of the inflammation of the airways. This may leave you short of breath. (Albuterol is recommended, and I NOW have it).
GETTING BETTER: Although most cases of bronchitis clear up on their own, some people may have complications that their doctor can ease.
WHAT TO TAKE:
# Acetaminophen (Feverall, Panadol, Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil) will help with fever and muscle aches.
# Drinking fluids is very important because fever causes the body to lose fluid faster. Lung secretions will be thinner and easier to clear when the patient is well hydrated.
# A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can help decrease bronchial irritation.
# An over-the-counter cough suppressant may be helpful. Preparations with guaifenesin (Robitussin, Breonesin, Mucinex) will loosen secretions; dextromethorphan-the "DM" in most over the counter medications (Benylin, Pertussin, Trocal, Vicks 44) suppresses cough.
FULL ARTICLE:http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bronchitis/article_em.htm#Bronchitis%20Overview