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INTRODUCTION: Bronchitis is a respiratory disease in which the mucous membrane in the lungs bronchial passages becomes inflamed and usually occurs in the setting of an upper respiratory illness and is observed more frequently in the winter months. It may be short-lived (acute) or chronic, meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs and can have causes other than an infection. Bronchitis can also occur when acids from your stomach consistently back up into your food pipe, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Both adults and children can get it.
If you are a smoker and come down with the acute form, it will be much harder for you to recover. If you continue smoking, you are increasing your chances of developing the chronic form which is a serious long-term disorder that often requires regular medical treatment. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, you are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems as well as more serious lung diseases and infections, and you should be monitored by a doctor.
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms lasting up to ninety days are usually classified as acute; symptoms lasting longer, often for months or years, are usually classified as chronic. Symptoms of Infectious bronchitis generally begins with the symptoms of a routine cold: runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, chills, and back and muscle aches.
The signs of either type of bronchitis include: Cough that produces mucus; if yellow-green in color, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection, Shortness of breath made worse by exertion or mild activity, Wheezing, Fatigue, Fever -- usually low and Chest discomfort. Additional symptoms include: Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu), Ankle, feet, and leg swelling, Blue-tinged lips due to low levels of oxygen.
Most people can treat their problems at home. However, if you have severe or persistent symptoms or if you cough up blood,you should see your MD. The MD will suggest that you drink lots of liquids, get plenty of rest, and may suggest taking an over-the-counter or prescription cough medicine to ease your symptoms as you recover. If you do not improve, your MD may prescribe an inhaler to open your airways. If symptoms are severe, the MD may order a chest x-ray to eliminate pneumonia.
RISK: With the passing of time, harmful substances in tobacco smoke can permanently damage the airways, increasing the risk for emphysema, cancer, and other serious lung diseases. Persons at risk for acute bronchitis include: The elderly, infants, and young children, Smokers, People with heart or lung disease. Passive smoke exposure is a risk factor for chronic bronchitis and adult asthma.
Smoking (even for a brief time) and being near tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, and other air pollutants for long periods of time increases a person risk for developing the disease. Overall, tobacco smoking accounts for as much as 90% of the risk. Secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke raises the risk of respiratory infections, augments asthma signs, and causes a measurable decrease in pulmonary function. Malnutrition increases the chance of upper respiratory tract infections and subsequent acute bronchitis, especially in children and older people.
TREATMENTS: Treatment depending on the symptoms and cause, may include: Antibiotics to treat acute bronchitis that appears to be caused by a bacterial infection or for people who have other lung diseases that put them at a greater risk of lung infections, Bronchodilators, which open up the bronchi, may be used on a short-term basis to open airways and reduce wheezing, Cool-mist humidifiers or steam vaporizers can be helpful for wheezing or shortness of breath.
Early recognition and treatment, combined with smoking cessation, greatly improve the chance of a good outcome. With severe bronchitis, your fever can be as high as 101 to 102F and may last for 3 to 5 days even with antibiotic treatment. However, if the flu is the suspected cause, treatment with an antiviral medicine may be helpful.
CONCLUSION: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways within the lungs and can be accompanied by signs of an upper respiratory infection, including: Soreness and a feeling of constriction or burning in your chest, Sore throat, Congestion, Breathlessness, Wheezing, Slight fever and chills, Overall malaise.
Tobacco and infectious agents are major reasons for chronic bronchitis and although found in all age groups, it is found most frequently in children younger than 5 years of age. In 1994, it was diagnosed in more than 11 of every 100 children younger than 5 years old. Fewer than 5 percent of persons with bronchitis go on to develop pneumonia. Most cases clear up on their own in a few days, especially if you rest, consume plenty of fluids, and keep the air in your home warm and moist. If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, see your Physician.
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