Bronchitis is a swelling or inflammation of the air passages among the lungs and nose and mouth. More distinctively, bronchitis explains a condition where the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes irritated. Individuals with bronchitis tend to have a decreased ability to breathe air and oxygen into their lungs; also, they cannot clear phlegm or heavy mucus from their airways.
Symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis comprise:
- Wheezing
- Persistent cough, which may produce mucus
- Chills and low fever
- Sore throat
- Chest tightening
- Breathlessness
- Blocked nose and sinuses
- Body aches
- Headaches
One of the primary symptoms of acute bronchitis is a cough that lasts for several weeks. It can at times last for some months if the bronchial tubes take an extended time to heal completely. It is common for the symptoms of chronic bronchitis to get poorer two or more times every year, and they are frequently worse during the winter months.
However, a cough that refuses to leave could also be a sign of another illness such as pneumonia or asthma.
Bronchitis may be acute or chronic:
Acute bronchitis is an illness for a shorter period that usually follows a viral infection or cold, such as the flu. It consists of chest soreness or discomfort, cough with mucus, fever, and, at times, shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis typically lasts a few weeks or days.
Chronic bronchitis is a critical, continuous illness characterized by a constant, mucus-generating cough that lasts more than 3 months in a year for over a couple of years. People with chronic bronchitis have changeable degrees of breathing problems, and symptoms might get better and deteriorate during diverse parts of the year.
Causes of bronchitis
Bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, by bacteria, viruses, or other irritation particles.
Causes of acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is normally caused by viruses, usually those that also cause colds and flu. It can also be caused by bacterial contamination and exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, for instance, dust, tobacco smoke, vapors, fumes, and air pollution.
Causes of chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is caused by frequent damage and irritation to the tissue of the lung and airway.
Smoking is the most usual cause of chronic bronchitis, with other reasons such as lasting exposure to fumes and dust from the setting, air pollution, and frequent incidents of acute bronchitis.
Diagnosis of bronchitis
A doctor might examine mucus or test the oxygen levels in the blood and may suggest a chest X-ray, blood tests, or pulmonary lung function test.
Complications of bronchitis
Pneumonia is the most usual problem of bronchitis; this takes place when the infection extends more within the lungs. This illness causes the lungs to fill with fluid. Pneumonia is more likely to develop in smokers, older adults, and people with diseases in other organs, and anyone with a lessened immune system.
Common treatments of bronchitis
Most types of bronchitis go away on its own within a couple of weeks. In case the bronchitis is caused due to bacteria, the doctor might give you antibiotics. In case of allergies, asthma the doctor may suggest an inhaler. This assists open up your airways and make it simpler to breathe.
Some of the common treatments include:
- Drink a lot of water – Eight to 12 glasses a day assists thin out your mucus and makes it simpler to cough it up.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers – Ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen assist with pain. But do not give aspirin to children instead give acetaminophen as this helps with both pain and fever.
- Get lots of rest
- Try steam or use a humidifier – A hot shower can be ideal for loosening up the mucus.
- You can take an expectorant during the day to loosen your mucus so it is easier to cough out. In the case of children, check with the pediatrician before using any cough syrups.
- If you have chronic bronchitis, you might benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation which is a breathing exercise program in which the therapist teaches you how to breathe more easily and increase your ability to exercise.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Use a humidifier – The moist, warm air helps get rid of coughs and loosens mucus in the passage. However, be sure to make the humidifier sanitized according to the recommendations of the manufacturer to avoid the growth of fungi and bacteria in the water container.
- Wash your hands To decrease your risk of getting a viral infection, wash your hands often, and get in the tendency of using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Prevent lung irritants – Do not smoke. Wear a cover when the air is contaminated or if you are exposed to contaminants, for instance, household cleaners or paint with powerful fumes.
- Think about using a face mask – If cold air aggravates your cough and causes shortness of breath, use a cold-air face mask before going outside.
- Get vaccinated – Most cases of acute bronchitis occur due to flu, a virus. Getting an annual influenza vaccine can assist safeguard you from getting influenza. You might also want to consider vaccination that safeguards against some types of pneumonia.
These are some of the simplest home remedies that you can refer to prevent the spread of bronchitis to others.
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