The rainy season is finally here, and with it come cough & cold-related issues that affect individuals of all ages. Keeping this in mind, today we will discuss in detail a health condition which can be the reason behind the cough or cold you are experiencing.
Specifically speaking, this blog will focus on what is bronchitis, what causes bronchitis, how to treat bronchitis, and much more. Let’s begin!
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is basically the inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, whose task is transporting air to and from the lungs. Individuals suffering from bronchitis generally cough up mucus which is thick in nature and may be discoloured.
Bronchitis can be further distinguished into two types: short-term/acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
What are the Symptoms of Bronchitis?
Both short-term & chronic bronchitis exhibit the following symptoms:
- Constant cough that might generate mucus
- Sore throat
- Minor fever & chills
- Headaches
- Blocked nose & sinuses
- Wheezing sound while breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Discomfort in the chest
- Body aches
- Fatigue
What causes Bronchitis?
Short-term or acute bronchitis is generally contracted through a viral respiratory infection. However, sometimes it can also be caused by a bacterial infection.
On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is commonly caused by smoking cigarettes and/or tobacco. Secondary causes include passive smoking, persistent exposure to toxic gases, air pollution, or dust.
The risk of contracting bronchitis is higher for individuals with asthma and a family history of bronchitis.
How to treat Bronchitis?
The primary treatment recommended by most family physicians to individuals with acute or short-term bronchitis includes:
- Consuming over-the-counter medicines, like ibuprofen
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking proper rest
Further treatment for bronchitis is divided into two categories: Medications and Therapies.
Medications
In rare cases when the bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. In other circumstances, when the individual is also suffering from asthma, allergies or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the doctor may prescribe an inhaler and medications to decrease inflammation & open narrowed passages in the lungs.
Therapies
Individuals with chronic bronchitis are usually recommended pulmonary rehabilitation, which is essentially a breathing exercise program. It involves a respiratory therapist teaching how to breathe in an easier manner & increase the capacity to exercise.
It’s important to note that there is no cure for chronic bronchitis, with the treatment of symptoms the only course of action possible to enhance the everyday life of individuals suffering from it.
Conclusion
Acute bronchitis is usually a minor ailment which gets cured in a few days with basic treatment methods and adequate rest. Chronic bronchitis, in contrast, is a major disease that can significantly affect the quality of life of an individual.
If you have been prescribed a pathology test or diagnostic scan by your family doctor, then contact us at Clinico for superior quality service and the best customer experience!
Call us 24×7 on 9504555555 to book an appointment.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmcp061493
Cavanagh, David, and S. Naqi. “Infectious bronchitis.” Diseases of poultry 11 (2003): 101-119.
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ZVZ4whXoJa4C&oi=fnd&pg=PA117&dq=Bronchitis&ots=qKAVICGnwk&sig=cE9wTaZU0P2WzR3Fx8EC1ZEimBw
Jousilahti, Pekka, et al. “Symptoms of chronic bronchitis and the risk of coronary disease.” The Lancet 348.9027 (1996): 567-572.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673696023744
