BronchitisWhat are the Symptoms and Treatments

I have recently been diagnosed with asthma. Since I am very susceptible to the side affects of my inhaler, are there any home remedies in case it gets a little hard to breathe? I'm just talking about when my breathing is a little bit below normal capacity.
I'm looking for nonmedicated solutions, and not solutions for actual attacks, but when it feels mildly uncomfortable. I have a daily inhaler and a rescue inhaler in case of a serious attack.

Some things I do are drink small sips of hot water, caffeine (helps open the airways), and rest as much as possible.

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Bronchitis is an ailment of the airways manifested by the existence of sputum production and cough for at least three months in each of two successive years. From the name itself, bronchitis is the inflammation and infection of the bronchial tree. The bronchial tree is composed of tubes that bring air to the lungs. When these get inflamed and infected, the tubes swell and produce thick mucus inside of them which makes it difficult to breathe.

There are basically two kinds of bronchitis: acute (meaning short term) bronchitis and chronic (meaning long term) bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is mainly caused by viruses and bacteria. Chronic bronchitis on the other hand is caused by smoking or environmental pollutants that causes an irritation on the airways.

During pregnancy the woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes. Her body now consumes oxygen and nutrients not just for her own well-being but for the baby inside her as well. The health of a pregnant woman with respiratory problems can be quite a predicament for physicians. There are major factors that are involved when dealing with the health of pregnant women such as their anatomical and physiological alterations to pregnancy, balancing both fetal and maternal needs, and the pregnant woman’s vulnerability to diseases. Although there may be modifications in the care of pregnant women with respiratory health problems, such as, bronchitis, management and treatment of the said health predicament is similar to those of nonpregnant individuals.

Respiratory health problems have the possibility to get worse in pregnancy because of the rising uterus tends to squeeze the diaphragm, decreasing the dimension of available space in the lungs and the size of thoracic cavity just when lung function is essential to supply sufficient oxygen exchange for the mother and the fetus.

Moreover, histologic evaluations of the upper respiratory tract during pregnancy expose hyperemia (increase amount of blood), glandular hyperactivity (increase workload of the glands), increased mucopolysaccharide content, and increased phagocytic activity. These alterations seem to be caused by the increase in estrogen levels. As a result, pregnant women experience nose bleeding and nasal stuffiness.

Being knowledgeable enough about the changes in respiratory physiology among pregnant women is crucial to their care and management when they become affected by a respiratory disease. As you may well know, these changes permit the mother-to-be to meet the metabolic needs of the unborn child.

The following are signs and symptoms of bronchitis:

? Fatigue
? Low grade fever
? Chest aches
? Wheezing
? Labored breathing or dyspnea which is worsened by physical exertion
? Cough with sputum or mucus
? Rales, these are abnormal lung sounds that can be heard in the lungs through the stethoscope

To diagnose the disease, tests are utilized by the doctors in addition to the obvious signs and symptoms in the confirmation of the disease such as pulmonary lung function tests, pulse oxymetry, arterial blood gas, chest x-ray, and sputum examinations

Treatment for bronchitis in pregnant women is similar to those individuals who are not pregnant. In any case, if the disease is caused by a virus then an antibiotic is useless (which is prescribed for bacteria-caused bronchitis). Acute bronchitis is usually self-limiting and may clear out within a week. General treatment is comprised of complete rest, lots of fluid intake, use of humidifiers to clear out the lung congestions, and avoiding air pollutants such as smoking. Although aspirin is prescribed to common individuals, pregnant women are not allowed to take this since it can cause bleeding and may induce complications.

Furthermore, prevention is still better than the cure. And being in a vulnerable state, pregnant women should always be careful with their bodies like always wash their hands (to avoid bacterial or viral bronchitis) and stop smoking or avoid smokers. It is also recommended that pregnant women obtain a flu vaccine especially if they are going to be pregnant during the influenza season.  Although the vaccine will not wholly prevent the woman from getting afflicted with bronchitis, it will at least shield her from certain strains of virus caused respiratory illnesses.

Any respiratory predicament can create serious damage to the unborn child if allowed to progress until the mother’s oxygen- carbon dioxide exchange is altered and heavily compromised.

Ever heard your doctor mention the term bronchitis? This is actually a chronic or acute swelling or soreness of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system’s tracheobronchial tree (trachea or windpipe and the bronchial tubes). Under some circumstances, it may or may not be contagious.

There are two kinds of bronchitis, long term or chronic bronchitis and short term or acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is manifested by fever, hypertrophy or increase in the size of the mucus secreting tissues, productive cough, sore throat, chills, runny nose, headache, general malaise, and back aches. While chronic bronchitis is a debilitating illness that is caused by persistent coughing with an immense production of phlegm or mucus by the glands of the bronchi and trachea. To be considered as chronic bronchitis, coughing with phlegm must persist for no less than three months for two successive years.

Common causative factors of both kinds of bronchitis are bacterial infection, viral, infection, and environmental pollution (such as cigarette smoking, chemical fumes, etc).

In diagnosing a patient for bronchitis, the physician primarily takes a health history and observes for telling signs of the disease. The medical professional will auscultate or listen to the patient’s chest through a stethoscope for sounds that may be a sign of inflammation of the lungs. These sounds could be moist rales, crackling, and wheezing. Wheezing is a sign of narrowing of the air passages, crackling is like the sound of hair being rubbed together, and moist rales is a bubbling sound that indicates fluid secretion in the bronchial tubes.

A sputum culture may be ordered by the physician in case of suspicious color or some streaks of blood. This is done to identify what kind of infection or what type of bacteria or virus is present in the respiratory tracts which consequently help the physician in formulating a treatment plan for the patient. Sputum is collected by instructing the patient to breathe deeply and cough out the phlegm then spit out into a container. Sputum collection is best done in the morning before breakfast or any food intake. The sample will then be sent to the laboratory and results will come out within three days.

But sputum collection in patients with chronic bronchitis is sometimes done through a method called bronchoscopy. The patient is administered with a local anesthesia and then a tube is inserted in the respiratory tract to collect the sputum. For further analysis, the physician may also order chest x-rays and blood tests.

With these tests and examinations, the physician will not only determine what type of treatment is best for the patient but will also determine if the bronchitis of the patient is contagious or not. If it is contagious then precautionary measures are employed.

Both acute and chronic bronchitis can be contagious. The cause of its being contagious is due to viral or bacterial infections. Common viruses, but are not limited to this list, that cause bronchitis are influenza virus, adenovirus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Bronchitis can be caused by two influenza strains: influenza A and influenza B. However, these two strains can be avoided if the patient takes a yearly shot of influenza virus vaccine which will help the patient to be immunized from the virus. The adenovirus on the other hand, can be any of the forty-nine medium sized viruses of the family Adenoviridae, which is pathogenic (disease causing) to man. It does not only cause disease in the respiratory tract but also may cause cystitis, conjunctivitis, and gastro-intestinal infection. Mycplasma pneumoniae is highly contagious among young children and adults.

With virus-caused bronchitis antibiotics are quite useless since it can only fight off bacterial infection. Virus infection is self-limiting, though, and may clear out within fourteen days providing the bronchitis is uncomplicated.

If there is an underlying bacterial infection, then the physician will likely prescribe antibiotics to kill off the bacteria and to prevent its further widespread to neighboring organs. Patients should religiously take the antibiotic medication as prescribed to prevent relapses and avoid any resistant bacterial strains to develop.

Prevention from acquiring contagious bronchitis is possible. Individuals must have an adequate amount of healthy nutrition and rest to improve their immune systems especially during the cold season. Washing hands regularly can also help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Having clean surroundings can also avoid bacterial or viral caused bronchitis.

My grandfather is in his 80s and has emphysema ( I think from being around absestos). We have air filters and central A/C and try to reduce his exposure to odors. The main problem is my grandmother. She insists on hanging out sheets and vacuuming while he's in the room. She also uses this 30 year old vacuum and refuses to try one with a HEPA. She says hers was the best on the market when she bought it. It throws tons of dust into the air. She doesn't wear perfume and she's very aware of when he's using his inhalers (he also has asthma). She just doesn't seem to get the fact that some things are out there that can help her help him breathe better. They see several different doctors so none of them know everything about what happens at home. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience AND what they did. Also if anyone knows of websites or sources that are really good maybe proof would knock some sense into her. She's a wonderful woman just very old school.
He obviously leaves the room when my Gramma is vaccuming. I'm just worried about what's still in the air hours later. I know I have read things such as don't hang wash out and use air purifiers etc. They avoid environments were people smoke (such as only going to smoke free restuarants and not going to the homes of persons who smoke). He also uses the masks a lot when he's out doors. He loves sitting on the porch and often will wear them at home. My gramma is stubborn and I guess I was just looking for specific websites that reiterate the cleaning things so I have something specific to show her. She's old school and doesn't believe word of mouth stuff that she didn't grow up with. But if I can show her specific ressearch or even just websites or newspaper articles she's more likely to believe it. Unfortunately, saying "some guy on the internet said" won't cut it with her. I really do appreciate everyone's responses. And I wish good health on you who are suffering as well.

Before there were vacuums there was and for me still is the damp mop with a sprinkling of disinfectant for picking up all the dust .Then theres the dusting above the floor again damp cloth,then all the polishing of both floors and above.
Emphysema to me, also with others that Ive spoken to seems to have an attachment of anxiety when dust is seen flying our way and it does hurt its a burning sensation in your throat and chest.I have just find out why one of my old friends with Emphy whose 86yo/ but his lung is only 70 still likes a beer or two.It truly helps them to relax so much that they're breathing like a normal person for a while under the influence, and I think good on you live.I am 57yo/ with a lung of a 90 yo/ . So each time we meet at the Hospital classes and we're called together we have a good laugh in finding out if we all have the same age lungs.Look after your Grandad and mention to Nan that she will have no one to clean for soon.Ask if she could go back to the real old school, mops etc washing ceilings,walls then to polish. Every day

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Coughing, most often, is the onset symptom of bronchitis. Being knowledgeable on matters regarding coughing can be most helpful in combating bronchitis especially chronic bronchitis. 

A cough is an abrupt, frequently recurring contraction of the “thoracic cavity,” which results in an aggressive discharge of air from the lungs that comes with a distinguishing sound. 

When the air passages in your body are irritated, a cough takes place to do away with the irritants.

Causes of Cough

There are two reasons why cough occurs – physiological and psychological. The psychological aspect of cough is termed as “habitual coughing.” In a medical perspective it is referred to as “steruphilia” wherein an individual loves the sound of coughing or sneezing that is why he practices the said condition. On the other hand, there is also a physiological reason why cough is evident to humanity. 

The “vagus nerve” which flows through the lungs into the brain has a major role in the physiological act of coughing. Under this type, the following are broken down into sub-causes:

? Infection – the presence of bacteria, virus from a common cold or fungus triggers humanity to develop a cough. 

? External factors – cough is evident when an individual is allergic to irritants such as dust, smoke from cigarettes or belches, pollens and some medicinal drugs. 

? Internal factors – as diseases in heart, ear, sinuses especially in the lungs progresses it causes a person to cough.

Types of Cough

1. Dry cough

Dry cough or sometimes termed as non-productive cough is described to be arid, stiff and exasperating. Apart from being bothersome, dry cough gives you a wearing and strenuous time.

2. Chesty coughs

Chesty coughs are commonly known as “productive coughs.” The common cause of this type of cough is infection from a virus or bacteria.

Phlegm is being taken away from the respiratory channels so that unwanted mucus and germs can be eradicated in the body. By doing so, your breathing will be normalized. 

Effects of Cough in Chronic Bronchitis

There are a lot of consequences if cough is persistent and productive especially if you have chronic bronchitis. When you cough you will experience any of the following: 

? There is aggravation in the “anus” which can worsen piles or crevices from within it. 

? Headache oftentimes occur with persistent or aggressive coughing. 

? Stomach-strain heightens which may lead to “hernia” or “scrotal sac.” 

? There is increased pressure in your chest. Having so, “air emphysema” may occur. 

With the above-mentioned consequences, it is best to know important ways for coughing to be reduced. 

1. Medical studies show that smoking is the main culprit for the development of chronic bronchitis. Hence, if you are a smoker, it is highly recommended for you to stop smoking. Breathing for you will be easy if you decide to stop smoking. It is not only cough that will be reduced but you will have better lungs as well by putting an end to smoking cigarettes. 

2. If you are a non-smoker yet you encounter people around you smoking, it is best to stay away from them because according to some medical findings secondhand smoking is more serious than firsthand smoking.

3. You need to avoid irritants. Some common irritants which can worsen cough are aerosol products, fumes from chemical substances and dust. 

4. When there is a high possibility that you will be exposed to irritants, it is a must for you to wear masks so that there is less chance for you to breathe those. 
 
A visit to your physician is recommended for you to recognize the type of cough you have. The physician will also tell you if your cough is associated with chronic bronchitis or a symptom of other illnesses. Moreover, it is he who will tell you the means and ways for you to treat as well as prevent the cough you have.  There is no need for you to delay a consultation with your physician. Cliché, as it may be “the sooner…the better.”

To some, coughing is but an ordinary illness. However, no one can tell when cough is mild or fatal. When health is being talked about, you need to be extremely concern about it for life is just but once.

I smoked a pack a day for 26 years (1.5 packs for about 6 months prior to quitting) and am still coughing. Am I just being impatient or does it take this long for the lungs to clear up?

It takes about 2-3 weeks for the lungs to clear up. The good news is that if you haven't caused any permanent damage, your lungs will return to great shape. During this recouperative period, take 10 very deep breathes every hour or every two hours and try to expand your lungs and fill them with air with each breathe. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the inability to EXHALE all of your inspired air. Inhalation should equal exhalation. So, in your pulmonary exercise (every hour or two hours) also try to exhale as much air as possible. Don't be surprised if this activity results in the urge to cough. God gave us the cough reflex to get junk out of the lungs. Cough up all the junk and spit it out. This exercise will speed your recovery, but you may feel it is unpleasant. Also, aerobic exercise will help your lungs. Aerobic means "with air" as opposed to anaerobic "without air." I can roller skate for 24 hours straight, which is an anaerobic exercise. But the minute I wave my arms up and down while skating, I become winded. This is an aerobic exercise. I confess here, that I am also a smoker. The lungs and heart are dependent upon each other. In COPD, if you're already at the point that you cannot climb a set of stairs, like 15 steps up without gasping, you're in deep, deep trouble. However, if you have spent your life smoking and exercising and you are not tons overweight, you have a great chance. I'm here to say that COPD is not a pretty sight. There are degrees, of course. The true diagnosis of COPD results in AIR HUNGER. Since this patient cannot expell their inspired air, they also have no room in their lungs for fresh air. This is probably all too technical for some…. The inhaled oxygen is attracked to red blood cells and help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every one of your cells. The issue is compounded if you can't feed your cells properly. I think this is easy enough to understand: ALL LIVING THINGS NEED AIR AND WATER. This includes every one of the millions of cells in your body. My patients with COPD are easily identified. They are very anxious and they don't know why. They do not understand the disease process. All they know is that while they are AT REST they feel very anxious. Nurses I've worked with don't even get this. How would you feel if you had a plastic bag over your head, tied tightly around your neck and you can't get air? Commonly prescribed in this rather "late stage" is a benzodiazapine class of drug. This would be Ativan. Ativan is very good and it is very bad. Let me speak from personal experience on the subject of the class of benzodiazapines. This class is extremely addictive. EXTREMELY. My own mother received a 30 day supply from her Provider and insurance company. Well, because of the addictive qualities, she took all the doses in the first week or two and then she was in withdrawal for the last 3-4 weeks waiting to get the next prescription. The withdrawal was truly an ugly sight. Finally, there is no cure for COPD once it gets in later stages. Only to keep the patient as comfortable as possible by increasing amounts of benzodiazapines. Incidentally, this class of drug on the street is called a BENNIE. Your question was only about the coughing. There is so much more to it than that. If you have medical insurance (don't get me started on that subject), ask to be referred to a pulmonologist for a correct diagnosis and find out how far your disease has progressed. The pulmonologist will do a thorough work-up and determine your lung function. (Called Pulmonary Function Testing). Depending on the condition of your lungs, you may be prescribed hand-held inhaler/s, nebulizer treatments, oral medications, oxygen by nasal cannula (the tube in the nose). Hey, you just have a cough. Not to worry. Exercise, lose weight, continue cessation of smoking and you'll probably be just fine. …a registered nurse, happy to share with you. I don't mean to scare you to death! 26 years of smoking. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) encompasses Emphysema and Asthma.
If you don't have medical insurance or you don't have the funds to pay for diagnosis and treatment out-of-pocket, I am sorry to say that the state of healthcare in this United States of America is deplorable. The rich keep getting richer. Don't get me started. How old are you? Have I alarmed you? Message me if you can't climb steps. I am currently unemployed and looking for a purpose in life. I don't know what I could do, but listen. I would try to help.
judyreardon@sbcglobal.net

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Bronchitis is an illness which scares most parents since it is after all an inflammation of the bronchi in a person’s lungs.  However, most physicians would advise parents or caregivers to calm down since according to medical findings bronchitis is not a chronic illness in children. 

Although bronchitis is not a chronic illness in children, it is still important for parents or caregivers to acquire knowledge about the said illness. By doing so, you will be well-equipped during times of bronchitis attacks. 

Bronchitis is a condition wherein the air passages amid the lungs and the nose swell due to a viral infection. It affects the bronchi. The bronchi are tubes wherein air passes through into and out of the lungs. There are times that the tracheas and windpipe is also affected by the inflammation.

There are two types of bronchitis – acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is most common to children than the chronic one. Usually chronic bronchitis appears to adult especially those who are heavy smokers and are prone to inhale chemical substances.

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is most common during the winter season which usually strikes children.

Some viruses attack the lining of the bronchial tree which leads to an infection.  Swelling heightens because the body combats with the viruses. When there is more swelling, it produces more mucus.

Your child will more likely develop acute bronchitis if the virus which causes the said illness is inhaled from the air he breathes or can be passed on by other people with a cough. Your child is likely to develop acute bronchitis if he breathes in the said viruses. 

If you observe that your child has runny nose which starts before a cough do, has slight fever, experiences pain at the back and muscle area, has sore throat, getting chills and malaise then he is most likely suffering from acute bronchitis.

During the onset of acute bronchitis, your child will have a dry and unproductive cough which will later on develop into a copious cough filled with mucus. There are times that some children vomit or gag as they cough.

Upon observation of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is recommended that you bring your child to his physician. Acute bronchitis is initially detected by obtaining the child’s medical history and performing a physical examination of the child. Furthermore to verify the said illness the following tests can be done:

? Blood tests
? X-ray on Chest
? Lung Tests
? Pulse Oximetry
? Sputum cultures

A child with acute bronchitis will get well if you ask him to get a good rest. Eating a well-balanced meal and drinking a lot of non-caffeinated fluids will also be helpful. Another helpful cure is to improve the humidity within your surroundings. 

There are times that some physician recommends asthma-related medications. This helps release mucus inside the bronchi tubes. The said medications are usually accompanied with an inhaler.

Analgesics can be given to a child to relieve his fever as well as the discomfort he is feeling.

Parents or caregivers must be cautious not to give aspirin to a child suffering from bronchitis since it can lead to severe illness such as Reye’s syndrome. Additionally, antihistamines should also be prevented since it can worsen your child’s cough.  

So that your child will not have recurring acute bronchitis, it is advised that you inform your child to regularly wash his hands. It is recommended that you keep your child away from smokes coming from cigarettes or belches. 

Chronic Bronchitis 

Chronic bronchitis is the second type of the said illness. It usually appears after a continuing irritation of the bronchial tubes. Bronchitis is referred to as “chronic” when symptoms persist by more than three months. 

Studies show that there are fewer cases of chronic bronchitis in children compared to acute bronchitis. Bronchitis in children will be chronic if symptoms are not treated well. 

Bronchitis should be properly treated since it can lead to serious illness such as pneumonia.

When your child experiences cold or cough, do not let it pass by thinking that things will all be well. It is better to give immediate aid to a child with colds or cough for it may lead to bronchitis.

When a medical specialist used the word “chronic” he is directly referring to a long-term and persistent suffering of a person from certain disease. One of which is chronic bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is the irritation or swelling of lung’s airways. These airways are tubes in the lungs where the air used to pass through. Airways are also termed as “bronchial tubes”.

When irritation occurs in bronchial tubes the formation of thick mucus will follow. Hence, the bronchial tubes will be block by the mucus, resulting to difficultlty in breathing.

Asthma on the other hand is the chronic inflammation of the airways or bronchial tubes. This common lung disorder is normally characterized by difficult breathing.

The chronic bronchitis is frequently associated with asthma, if not with allergies. Truth is a bronchial infection consists several factors that may possibly trigger it.

Both of these lung disorder—chronic bronchitis and asthma—is characterized by coughing, chest contraction, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
 
Sadly, the environment alone consist several threatening factor that triggers bronchial infection, thus, the start of the symptoms.

Dust is an example of this environmental factor. Obviously, dust is a kind of substance which is common everywhere. That is why, for those with a problem in their respiratory system, dust is a tough villain for their health.

For the asthmatics and sufferer of bronchitis, dusty places are not an ideal breathing zone.

Therefore, people who have a respiratory problem are advised to limit their exposure to dust as possible as they can. However, the preventions for dust that are needed to be taken will be determined according to the person’s sensitivity itself.

Those who are sensitive enough may need to install in their house a specialized air cleaning equipment. While those who are not that sensitive enough may enjoy a home that has a regular schedule for cleaning.

If you are one of these lung sufferers, you can visit the online links to get free tips on how to avoid and get rid of the factors that trigger asthma and bronchial cough inside of your home.

Another factor that may harm the respiratory system, and may lead to bronchial infection, is the chemical odors and fumes. An example of this is the tobacco smoke. The smoker himself and the person who happened to inhale the smokes emitted by the smoker may compromise the health of their respiratory system.

Hence, this practice will lead to chronic cough, which is usually experienced by the asthmatics and the sufferers of bronchitis.

Furthermore, such chronic cough and bronchitis may also be triggered by the stomach irritating acid which is caused by the stomach acid’s backflow to the esophagus. This disease is known as the acid reflux.

For the sufferer of a chronic cough which is triggered by bronchitis and asthma, it is advisable that he ask from a pulmonary or respiratory medical specialist an accurate diagnosis.

Aside from it, understanding the lifestyle of the sufferer may also help, since there are several environmental factors that are needed to be avoided for people who have a respiratory problem.

On the other hand, allow the author to tackle the “bronchial asthma.” Bronchial asthma is simply the contraction of the bronchial tubes that vary for a short span of time.

However, there is a little confusion regarding the bronchial asthma. For those who are not aware on medical terms, bronchial asthma may be regarded as the fusion of bronchitis and asthma.

Getting the etymology, bronchitis is derived from the Greek word “bronchos”, meaning “windpipe or throat.” “It is” on the other hand is a suffix noun that pertains to “diseases.”

While the term asthma is rooted from the Greek word “azein”, which stands for “breathe hard.”

Medically speaking, the so-called “bronchial asthma” is what we commonly known as asthma.

The bronchitis is the swelling of bronchial tubes. And can either be acute or short-lived, or can last for a long period of time, termed as chronic. This is infected by certain viruses and lung irritants such as pollution and smoke that bring harm to respiratory tract. 

Meanwhile, the bronchial asthma is caused by the stomach problem or the gastrointestinal tract. Although this may also be triggered by certain form of substances such as dust.

In 1808, Charles Bedham described and named bronchitis. For many years this condition affected many people. But because of newer developments in the field of medicine, people now have more alternatives to treating the said condition.

Pulmonary disorders are quite common especially in children. But this doesn’t mean that adults can’t have the disorder. In fact, those that live in polluted cities, especially smokers, are prone to it. If your bronchi are inflamed, then you may have bronchitis, which is widely known as an obstructive pulmonary illness or disorder.

Bronchitis is divided into short-term or acute and the long-term or chronic types. How will you know if you have bronchitis? There are symptoms associated with the disorder including expectorating cough, dyspnea, malaise and/or fatigue, mild fever and chest pains, coldness, and vibrating chest.

People of all ages may have bronchitis. Those that have frequent flu and colds tend to have this condition. If your immune system is weak, you are at a greater risk to major complications like asthmatic and chronic bronchitis, and it would be a lot easier for pneumonia to settle in.

As mentioned earlier, bronchitis can be acute or chronic. To diagnose and treat bronchitis properly, the pulmonary specialist must be more detailed with their diagnosis and understanding of various diseases and illnesses.

As a responsible individual, you must be aware of the symptoms so that when you or a family member exhibits such symptom, you can identify them easily and seek the help of medical professionals. It is best to act on the condition at an early stage to avoid any complications.
 
Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis has symptoms similar to flu and lasts for a short term only. People who have viral infections may be susceptible to acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is contagious and usually begins by having dry cough that occurs at night. In a matter of days, the cough will progress and the person can suffer from fatigue, fever, and headache. The cough might take several weeks; but for some it might even take months because the healing process is very slow in the bronchial tubes.

If you’ve been suffering the cough for over a month, your doctor can refer you to an ENT expert to find out if there are other causes of irritation. If your bronchial tubes are always irritated, it can lead to asthmatic conditions.

With acute bronchitis, the passageways constrict because of the infection caused by a virus or bacteria. If it is caused by a bacteria, then giving the right antibiotic regimen can make the person well. You must visit your doctor to get accurate diagnosis because administering any medicine without doctor’s prescription can make the disorder worse.

If you experience persistent wheezing and cough, then you might have acute bronchitis. If you have constricted bronchial tubes, you can hear a wheezing sound every time you breathe. The disorder clears up after a few days but it can also last for over a week. Make sure that you take a rest and drink lots of juices or water.

As a simple home remedy, you can put wet blankets and towels inside the house to increase humidity or you can opt for room humidifiers. Smokers who happen to have acute bronchitis should quit smoking to heal faster and don’t make his condition even worse. 

Chronic Bronchitis

This condition is ongoing. It can take months, or even years, for the condition to last. Due to environmental factors like exposure to smoke, fumes, odors, and dust can lead to chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis has no cure; therefore patients having the condition must avoid the triggers and make considerable changes in their surrounding environment. You must be able to identify the ‘triggers’ and you can do this with the help of your doctor.

When you consult a doctor, several laboratory tests will be performed including chest x-rays, test for pulmonary function and blood gases in the arteries, and the sputum culture. Usually, these tests are also performed for patients with acute bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis can be prevented only if you try to change some of your bad habits including smoking.

Nothing beats a healthy and active lifestyle. If you practice preventive measures, then you can avoid getting bronchitis or any other illness.

I was in the hospital for about a week with pneumonia. I asperated into my right lung, and it was almost completely full. I am a soccer player, so i need to be able to run for long periods of time without losing my stamina. I was wondering about how long it will be untill i can breathe normally again?!

usually after seven to fourteen days and initially take five day course of antibiotic and do physiotherapy.and after words start physical exercises. ideally you should be fit within a month.

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