Bronchitis Disease Symptoms And Treatment
Not many people are aware of bronchitis symptoms and treatment. Bronchitis is an infection in the main respiratory from the lung or bronchus that causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Anyone with bronchitis has a reduced ability to breathe air and oxygen into their lungs. They also cannot clear heavy mucus or phlegm from their airways. Bronchitis is divided into two types. First, acute bronchitis is a short-term disease that often follows a cold or viral infection. Second, chronic bronchitis is a long-term disease and can be the result of environmental factors.
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Bronchitis Causes
Bronchitis is caused by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, viruses, bacteria, or other irritant particles. Acute bronchitis is mostly caused by viruses. Irritation and inflammation cause the bronchus to produce more mucosa or mucus and to remove it is by a cough. Acute bronchitis can also be caused by the bacterial infection such as from tobacco smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, and air pollution.
Chronic bronchitis is caused by repeated irritation and damage of the lung and airway tissue. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. The cigarette has the potential to damage the tiny hairs in the lungs called cilia hair that its function is to dispel and wipe out dust, irritation, and mucosa or excessive mucus. Other causes of chronic bronchitis are exposed to air pollution, dust and fumes from the environment, and repeated acute bronchitis.
Bronchitis Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of acute bronchitis is a cough that lasts for several weeks and sometimes can take several months to heal fully. It is common for the symptoms of chronic bronchitis to get worse two or more times every year. The following are the signs and symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis.
- A persistent cough which may produce mucus
- A sore throat
- Breathlessness
- Chest tightening
- Blocked nose and sinuses
- Fatigue
- Headaches and body aches
- Low fever and chills
Bronchitis Treatment
Acute bronchitis usually disappears by itself in a few weeks. It is better to drink plenty of fluids and take a rest. In some cases, symptoms of bronchitis can last longer.
Chronic bronchitis symptoms are usually last for three months. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis but there are medicines to relieve and control symptoms. The doctors might prescribe the cough medicine, bronchodilators, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory medicines and glucocorticoid steroids, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation program, and antibiotics. In addition, the behavioral remedies include stop smoking, use a humidifier, exercise, and breathing exercise.