Bronchitis is associated with swelling of air passages or bronchial tubes that exists between mouth and nose and the lungs,
There are two types of bronchitis-
- Acute bronchitis- This is the common infection that is caused by bacteria and it heals easily… it usually occurs along with cold and flu, and some other symptoms of bronchitis that include are running nose, sneezing, severe cough and pain in the throat. acute bronchitis stays for maximum of 5 days and easily heals with antibiotics
This type of bronchitis is most common disease affecting children and adults. It is easily treatable by taking rest and medicines.
- Chronic bronchitis- chronic bronchitis stays for long time. In this condition the inflamed bronchial tubes produce lot of mucus.
Chronic bronchitis is a pulmonary disease characterized by productive cough that lasts for long periods. people suffering from chronic bronchitis develop lung disease called emphysema (that is responsible for destroying air sacs in the lungs), when the person is affected by chronic bronchitis the production of mucus in the lungs become excess and obstructs bronchial tubes from releasing the air freely, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, chills, fever, constant wheezing, sinus congestion, chest pain, persistent cough that brings up thick and yellowish mucus.
Some of the symptoms of bronchitis are-
- severe cough
- shortness of breath
- fever and chills
- sinus congestion
- body pain
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- lack of sleep
Causes of bronchitis-
Bronchitis an inflammation of the bronchial tubes is caused by bacteria or viruses.
Some of the causes are-
- Exposure to dust ,tobacco smoke and other toxic substances
- due to air pollution (high sulphur dioxide concentrations and other pollutants in air)
- breathing irritant substances
- Exposure to grain dust
- low immunity
- industrial pollution
Based on the symptoms and other health issues of the patient, the doctor will physically examine the patient by hearing the sounds in the lungs using stethoscope
- blood tests
- chest X-ray
- sputum test
- pulmonary function test
These tests are done to determine, to check for conditions like pneumonia, signs of allergies, signs of emphysema or any other illnesses.
Depending upon the severity of the disease the doctor may recommend the following treatment.
- cough suppressants
- inhaler( to open air passages)
- plenty of rest
- drink enough fluids
- Antibiotics( if bacterial infection)
- Breathing exercise
- avoid smoke and fumes
- get pneumoccol vaccination
Preventive tips to avoid bronchitis
- Wash your hands
- Avoid inhaling cigarette smoke
- Wear mask to protect yourself from air pollution.
- Vaccination of influenza and pneumonia are good to prevent bronchitis.