Treatment:

The purpose of treatment is to reduce the irritation.

Getting more air into the workplace or wearing masks to filter out the offending dust particles may help. Some people may need to be taken out of the workplace.

Some cases of industrial bronchitis go away without treatment. Other times, a person may need inhaled anti-inflammatory medications. If you are at risk or have experienced this problem and you smoke, stop smoking.

Helpful measures include:

• Breathing humidified air
• Increasing fluid intake
• Resting

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome may be good as long as you can stop being exposed to the irritant. Chronic disability from industrial bronchitis is rare.

Complications:

Continued exposure to irritating gases, fumes, or other substances can lead to permanent lung damage.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you are regularly exposed to dusts, fumes, strong acids, or other chemicals that can affect the lungs and you develop symptoms of bronchitis.