Bronchitis Facts You Need To Know
Bronchitis refers to extreme inflammation of air passages located inside the lungs. The condition occurs when the windpipe or the trachea as well as the airways - (small and large bronchi inside the lungs) get swollen or inflamed primarily on account of infection or due to other factors.
Symptoms
As we have noted above, the thin airways mucus lining becomes swollen and irritated and the cells which make up the lining begin to leak fluids as a reaction to the swelling.
Bronchitis brings with itself cough, chest tightness and breath shortness. Greenish or yellow mucus is brought up often with coughing. Coughing works as a reflex action for clearing the lung secretions. There exist two main forms of bronchitis. These are acute and chronic.
The cause of acute bronchitis is the same kind of virus responsible for causing colds. Generally it begins in the form of a sore throat, sinus infection, runny nose and moves to the airways. Acute bronchitis may cause dry, lingering cough, but symptoms vanish after sometime in natural course.
Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A large quantity of mucus is produced by the inflamed bronchi, leading to cough and a lot of difficulty is experienced in inhaling and exhaling.
Do call on the doctors if you experience these severe symptoms:
- Severe cough which disturbs sleep or rest
- Continued fever beyond four or five days
- Blood coming out through coughing, or sputum which is rust colored.
Causes
Bronchitis may occur due to excessive inhalation of dusts and irritating fumes. Smoke and chemical solvents, especially tobacco smoke has been known to be causing acute bronchitis. Elderly people who have a compromised immune system as well as smokers or anyone with excessive exposure to the lung irritants are prone to getting bronchitis. Both viruses and bacteria are known to bring about bronchitis. Influenza A and B viruses, and bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be the cause behind bronchitis.
Treatment
- Sometimes cough suppressants are given to control the vicious cycle associated with coughing. Certain medications can also clear or loosen lung secretions.
- Inhalers or bronchodilators can decrease wheezing
- Antibiotics are given when the cause of bronchitis has been identified to be some bacteria.
- Patients suffering from chronic lung complications are also usually given treatment with antibiotics.
- Drinking fluids is extremely important as fever may cause the body to dehydrate faster. Acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen can help to control muscle aches and fever.
- Since a large number of cases of bronchitis arise on account of viral infections, majority of patients recover on their own requiring nothing except symptomatic discomfort relievers.
- When the patient does not respond to medication therapy, he/she may be hospitalized.
Experts warn against the overuse of antibiotics in bronchitis cases. This may result in several bacteria becoming resistant to the medications/antibiotics. Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics on account of environmental pressure and expectations of patients.
The patient must take care to follow up with their health care professional within a week after commencement of treatment, and sooner if symptoms worsen.