Dealing with Bronchitis
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 348, Word Count: 543,
Dealing with bronchitis can sometimes become hard if one don’t know about the concept of bronchitis. Bronchitis is basically an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airways which carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs.
Important Aspects of Bronchitis
- Bronchitis is of two types: acute and chronic, each of which has unique pathologies, and therapies.
- Acute bronchitis can be notable as a cough, with or without the sputum that is coming from the respiratory tract. This occurs during an acute viral illness, for e.g. common cold or influenza.
- Chronic bronchitis is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is notable as a cough that lasts for at least three months or more than a year. This occurs due to injury to the airways caused due to cigarette smoking, air pollution or exposure to irritants.
Causes of Bronchitis
- Acute bronchitis takes place due to a viral infection that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the bronchial tubes. Common viruses are influenza virus, rhinovirus, or respiratory syncytial virus.
- Sometimes, bacteria like Mycoplasma, Haemophilus, Pneumococcus, Klebsiella, etc. can also cause bronchitis.
- Chemical irritants like gastric reflux, tobacco smoke, and solvents can cause acute bronchitis.
Physical Examination of Bronchitis
· The health care practitioner examines the patient's upper airways for detection of the ear, nose, or throat infection. He/she also examines the redness of the tympanic membranes, runny nose, along with post nasal drip.
· Redness of the throat and pus on the tonsils can help to distinguish from common cold and acute bronchitis symptoms.
· The neck of the patients is palpated due to swollen lymph nodes
· A chest X-ray may be considered, so as to distinguish between pneumonia and infection of lung tissue leading to bronchitis.
Treatments of Bronchitis
· Albuterol inhalation, either with a hand held device or nebulizer is used to dilate the bronchial tubes.
· Short-term steroid therapy is also applicable for the treatment of bronchial tubes. Prednisone is a commonly used medicine for this purpose. Topical inhaled steroids are also beneficial to deal with bronchitis
· Drinking plenty of fluids will keep the patient remain hydrated which in turn, keeps secretions of the bronchial tubes more liquid and can easily expel.
· Cough suppression takes place with the help of cough drops or liquid suppressants, e.g. Halls, Vicks 44, and also cough syrups containing dextromethorphan.
· All these treatments are supportive which help to keep fever under control
Dealing with Bronchitis
· It is very important to stop smoking immediately after the diagnosis. Chronic bronchitis is directly associated with smoking.
· If possible, strictly have a break from shouting, crying and also over exertion. All these activities will trigger coughing episodes. Being calm and quiet is the best way to prevent coughing spasms.
· Don’t use cough suppressant because they will make bronchitis worse
· Wear a mask when going in the heavy air pollution or allergens aria
· Use a humidifier at home
· See a respiratory therapist who will guide you on how to do exercise and strengthen the lungs.
In this way, we can say that dealing with bronchitis is very easy provided you follow all the above restrictions.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT.
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