INFORMATION ON BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis is an obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs. It is a common disease of habitual tobacco smokers and residents of polluted cities. Like many disorders, bronchitis can be acute, or chronic. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by one of a number of viruses that can infect the respiratory tract and attack the bronchial tubes. Infection by certain bacteria can also cause acute bronchitis. Most people have acute bronchitis at some point in their lives. Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically as a persistent cough that produces sputummatter that is coughed up from the respiratory tract, for at least three months in two consecutive years.

SYNONYMS OF BRONCHITIS

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Tracheobronchitis.
2. Chronic obstructive lung disease.
3. Obstructive airway disease.
4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
5. Respiratory tract infection.
6. Viral respiratory tract infection.
7. Bacterial respiratory tract infection.

CAUSES OF BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis is caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or the inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust. Smoking is said to main cause 80% of all cases of bronchitis. Bronchitis occurs when the cells of the bronchial lining tissues are irritated, the tiny hair within them, which normally traps and eliminate pollutants, such as smoke, dust and etc, stop functioning.

SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHITIS

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis:
1. Cold-like symptoms.
2. Painful cough.
3. Wheezing.
4. Throat pain.
5. Chest pain.
6. Coughing up pus in sputum.
7. Fever.

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis:
1. Persistent cough.
2. Productive cough.
3. Cough with sputum.
4. Persistent winter cough that disappears in summer - an early symptom.
5. Excessive airway mucus secretion.
6. Breathlessness.
7. Mild fever.
8. Mild chest pain.

DIAGNOSIS OF BRONCHITIS

Diagnosis of bronchitis is based on observing the patient's symptoms and health history. A chest x-ray to rule out other diseases or complications is indicated if symptoms are severe or prolonged. Arterial blood gases should be monitored when serious underlying chronic respiratory disease is present.

TREATMENT OF BRONCHITIS

Acute bronchitis from a virus generally clears on its own within 7 to 10 days. Using a humidifier, taking a cough medicine that contains an expectorant, and drinking plenty of fluids can help relieve symptoms. If a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed, your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics to help treat your bronchitis.

Prevention should be taken as:
1 DO NOT smoke.
2 Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom.
3 Drink plenty of fluids.
4 Rest while you have an active infection.