What Is Bronchitis?
Inflammation or irritation of the bronchial tubes or bronchi (tubes carrying air to the lungs) is known as bronchitis. Bronchitis can be of two types: acute or chronic.
Acute bronchitis generally occurs as an aftermath of a viral infection or cold that spreads from the sinuses or nasal passage to the bronchi. In such cases, symptoms start three to four days after the respiratory tract infection. This kind of bronchitis lasts for seven to ten days, with a dry cough following it for a few more weeks. In some cases, acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria. It can also be caused by excessive inhalation of smoke or inhalation of food or vomit.
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a productive cough that lasts for three months or more. The main cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking, but it is also caused because of irritants and toxins present in the environment or place of work. In some cases, chronic bronchitis is allergic.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bronchitis?
The most common symptoms of acute bronchitis are:
- Dry cough that eventually turns into productive cough in two to three days
- Wheezing
- Feeling of burning in the chest area or chest pain
- Low grade fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- The common symptoms of chronic bronchitis are:
- Long lasting mucus producing cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing
- Bluish lips due to lack of oxygen
- Swelling in the feet, legs and ankles
How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed?
Bronchitis is generally confirmed by a physical examination that involves a stethoscope examination of the chest and the back, and a look at the throat. The doctor may also prescribe lung function tests or a chest X-Ray. In some cases, blood and sputum samples are taken in order to determine if the infection is bacterial or not.
What Is The Treatment For Bronchitis?
In case acute bronchitis is caused due to a bacterial infection then it is treated with a course of antibiotics. Bronchitis caused due to viral infections and other factors generally goes away on its own after a course of seven to ten days. Symptoms of this kind of bronchitis are generally treated with steam inhalation or the use of a humidifier to soothe and open up the bronchial passage, drinking plenty of fluids and with adequate rest.
Fevers caused by the infection are treated with over the counter analgesics. In many cases, doctors may also prescribe a cough medicine to either suppress the cough or to release the production of mucous.
Chronic bronchitis must be treated by giving up smoking and avoiding the irritant or pollutant responsible for the condition.
How Can Bronchitis Be Prevented?
Chronic bronchitis can be prevented by giving up smoking and by avoiding bronchitis causing pollutants in the environment and the workplace. On the other hand, acute bronchitis is best prevented by avoiding getting viral and bacterial infections like colds and flu. This can be done by frequently washing hands, staying away from infected crowds and getting vaccinated with pneumococcal and flu shots based on your doctor's recommendations.
Source: Apollo health insurance
Note: Please consult your Doctor for more details and guidance. This is just for the general awareness of the readers
Best Regards
Prakash Nair
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