Treating Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Bronchitis occurs as a result of prolonged acute bronchitis, left untreated or without medication. The conditions turn severe with a worsening of bacteria multiplication. The extended effects of bronchitis can include chest pains, heart attacks, joint pains and extremely grueling coughing tendencies due to the build up of phlegm in the bronchial tracts.
The treatments of chronic bronchitis include the prevention of further complications and restrict the progression of the disease. A general tip to all under the treatment of bronchitis is to stop smoking. Stopping the intake of tobacco can make an immense difference to the spread of the bronchial bacteria or virus.
The medications that help treat bronchial infections are as follows -
- Antibiotics - Although most bronchial infections are not caused by bacteria, antibiotics treat 5 - 10 percent of bronchial infection cases. For chronic bronchitis with extreme conditions, antibiotics like amoxicillin or doxycycline are recommended as medication.
- Bronchodilators - These medicines target the clearing of the bronchial tubes for easier breathing and removal of mucus. Aerosol sprays or oral medication help in clearing and opening the air tracts to the lungs. Bronchodilators may be of 2 types - short acting and long acting ones. The quick relief mechanisms are undertaken by relievers which need to be taken 15 to 20 minutes before of asthma attacks which may be a result of exercise or cold air. Long acting bronchodilators can be inhaled or taken orally and prevents bronchial constrictions to up to 12 hours.
- Steroids - steroids taken as aerosol sprays can relieve some symptoms of chronic bronchitis. However, long term usage of steroids can lead to severe side effects like high blood pressure, heart attacks and weakened bones. Besides, patients prone to diabetes or cataract should avoid steroid intake.
- Vaccines - Patients with chronic bronchitis are usually advised to take a vaccine shot against flu once a year. This ensures a bronchial relaxation a does the pneumonia shot taken once in 5 to 7 years. These shots are primarily targeted to prevent infections.
- Oxygen Therapy - A chronic bronchitis patient may fall short of oxygen very often. Oxygen transferring devices come in various forms and allow a respite for the patient's respiratory system which may be getting over strained in order to draw in the required amount of oxygen for the body.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation - A counseling program or rehabilitation can be of great help to people looking for the right habits, diet and medical suggestions. The programs also teach different breathing techniques which come useful for a bronchitis patient with breathing difficulties.
- Physical exercise - The general habit of frequent physical activities helps push more oxygen to the blood regularly. A general habit of physical exercise prevents severe deposition of phlegm in the bronchial tracts. Deoxygenated blood that causes the cyanic coloration of the skin can also be prevented by adequate physical exercise.
Although surgery is rare when it comes to treating chronic bronchitis, a damage of the lungs may make it necessary.