Bronchitis is curable with bronchitis medicines available over the counter. Ampicillin is one of the medicines that help to cure bronchitis effectively. It is a beta-lactam antibiotic that is effective against gram-positive organisms like staphylococci or streptococci and also against gram-negative organisms such as H. influenzae, coliforms and proteus spp due to its ability of penetrating gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. It is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinuses, stomach and intestines, kidney, ear infections, lung, skin, and urinary tract infections (UTI). Apart from this it is also indicated for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea, meningitis, and endocarditis.

Ampicillin comes under the class of antibiotics called penicillin and it is a part of the aminopenicillin family. Thus it differs from penicillin only by the presence of amino group. It is due to this amino group that helps it to penetrate the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Ampicillin acts by inhibiting the transpeptidase enzyme that is required for cross-linking peptidoglycanlayers or to make their cell walls. It inhibits the third and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis in binary fission, which ultimately leads to cell lysis. Ampicillin, like other ß-lactam antibiotics, not only blocks the division of bacteria, but also the division of chloroplasts of the Glaucophytes (called cyanelles) and chloroplasts of the moss Physcomitrella patens, a bryophyte.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages between the nose and the lungs, including the windpipe or trachea and the larger air tubes of the lung that bring in the air from the trachea. Bronchitis can either be of acute (short-lived duration) or a chronic (severe and long lasting or lenthy inflammation). Whereas acute bronchitis can occur either by a viral infection or a bacterial infection, and many a times it can be healed without complications. If it is neglected it can turn to chronic. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is a serious lung disease that can be controlled but cannot be cured completely.

Whether acute or chronic, both are inflammations of the air passages, having different causes and require different treatments. Acute bronchitis is common during winter and it usually resolves within two weeks. It begins with the symptoms of a cold, runny nose, sneezing, dry cough or even the flu, It can be accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. Deep and painful cough results in greenish yellow phlegm. Wheezing after coughing is common. It may be accompanied by a fever. In uncomplicated acute bronchitis, the fever and most other symptoms, except the cough, disappear after three to five days. However, if it continues for several weeks it becomes complicated in which case the fever and a general feeling of illness persist that needs to be treated with bronchitis medicines. If it is caused by a bacterial infection, it should be treated with antibiotics. Acute bronchitis can also increase the possibility of developing pneumonia. It can become serious if it progresses to pneumonia, and thus, antibiotics are of utmost important. Smokers and patients with heart disease or other lung diseases are at higher risk of developing acute bronchitis. Chemical fumes or air pollution is the other cause.

Chronic bronchitis on the other hand is a major cause of disability and death. Chronic bronchitis is also an inflammation of airways giving rise to coughing and spitting of phlegm. In chronic bronchitis, symptoms exist for three months or more. It is generally caused by inhaling cigarette, smoke, air pollution, chemical contacts and so on... The treatment of chronic bronchitis is complex as it depends on the stage it has gone through and other health problems present in patients. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke or polluted air is essential. Also exercising on regular basis is an important part for an individual.

Complications of COPD are many and often require hospitalization in the latter stages of the disease. Smokers are ten times more likely to die of COPD than non-smokers. Smokers who quit smoking, show improvement in lung function. Also avoiding chemical and environmental irritants like air pollution; and maintaining health is important.