BronchitisWhat are the Symptoms and Treatments

There are quite a lot of different respiratory diseases today. You have to consider that being affected with one of the respiratory diseases, it can have a negative impact in your daily activities. You will not be able to do some tasks, you will have difficulty breathing and you will also deprive your body of the sufficient amount of oxygen it needs.

One kind of respiratory illness is called bronchitis. This particular illness can have negative impact in your daily life. It is also considered as one of the most common respiratory illnesses today that can affect anyone at anytime. Although bronchitis can happen anytime, most cases occur during the winter months. And, people who are usually affected with this kind of respiratory illness are people who live in areas where there is a high amount of air pollution, usually in large cities. People who have weak lungs are also easily affected by bronchitis. Anyone can be affected by this illness. However, most of the time, infants, children, the elderly and people who smoke tobacco are usually the ones who are frequently affected by bronchitis.

First of all, there are basically two kinds of bronchitis. One is acute bronchitis and the other is called chronic bronchitis. In acute bronchitis, it will usually last for about 10 to 12 days only providing that you have it properly diagnosed by a professional and get it treated properly.

Acute bronchitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. However, there are rare cases where fungus infection can also cause acute bronchitis. You can know if you have acute bronchitis by knowing about its signs and symptoms. Here are the signs and symptoms that you may experience if you have acute bronchitis:

• Mild chest pain
• Mild fever
• Wheezing when breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent and expectorating cough
• Vibration of chest when breathing
• Chillness
• Mild pain on throat
• Squeezing and painful sensation around the eyes

You cannot determine whether the bronchitis is caused by a virus or by bacteria unless you consult your physician where they may order you to go on laboratory testing. The laboratory test results will provide information whether your bronchitis is caused by a virus or by bacteria.

The doctor will then prescribe you a medication that you should take in order to cure the illness. Also, the doctors will advice you on different kinds of home remedies to alleviate the signs and symptoms. They may also schedule you for another visit to determine if there are any other illnesses besides the bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is considered as a long term illness that needs careful management and care. One of the main contributors for chronic bronchitis is by inhaling irritants, such as toxic fumes and especially cigarette smoke. Chronic bronchitis can cause permanent damage to your respiratory system where it can make it difficult for you to live your daily life. The chronic bronchitis can last for three up months and in worse cases, it can last up until 2 consecutive years.

You have to remember that this disease is contagious and you should take the necessary precaution in avoiding transmitting the disease, especially inside the household. You can do this by humidifying the environment and by covering your mouth with a damp handkerchief of towel when coughing.

Chronic bronchitis is a long term illness that needs special care and management in order for the patient to recover from the illness and also help let the bronchial tube in its healing process. You have to consider quitting smoking and avoid dusty places if it is possible. You can use the different methods to alleviate the symptoms in acute bronchitis as well.

Another important factor that you should consider is your hygiene. A good hygiene will help in the treatment of the illness. You should always wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. It is also important that you should get a lot of rest, eat the right kinds of food, and drink lots of fluid.

If you notice the early signs and symptoms of bronchitis, you should immediately act on it and treat it in order to prevent it from worsening. With early detection, diagnosis and treatment, you can take control of your life once again and free yourself from bronchitis.

Many illnesses annoy millions of people around the globe. Getting sick is very costly especially nowadays. Medicines are expensive, especially those that are used for treatment regimens. And it’s very sad to note that not all individuals are capable of paying their medical bills. In fact, many people die from different illnesses because they don’t have enough money to pay for consultation fees or even buy medicine.

Usually, the government offers health programs for the needy. You can search your locality for institutions or organizations that offer free medical services to less fortunate people.

Sometimes, taking a lot of medications can be harmful to the body. And that is probably why many people resort to going back to natural cures. Bronchitis, together with other respiratory diseases can be cured using the natural way.

Have you heard of Halotherapy? This is also called salt therapy or speleotherapy. In Europe, this therapy is highly documented. In the early part of the 19th century, speleotherapy was practiced in salt mines. And today, specialists are trying to replicate speleotherapy by using dry aerosol salt particles and minerals. These things are utilized to treat various types of respiratory diseases.

People who worked in salt mines don’t get lung diseases, and this was noticed by Felix Botchkowski. He was a health official who wrote a book about salt dust during the 18th century. He had a successor named M. Poljakowski who founded his own Salt Spa near Krakow. In World War II, salt mines were used as shelters; and it was noted that people suffering from asthma felt better there. As of today, salt sanatoriums can be found in Hungary, Austria, Romania, Poland, Russia, and European countries.

Salt therapy is a non-invasive and non-drug treatment of respiratory diseases including bronchitis. Drug therapy has its own advantages as well as disadvantages, and for people who want to stick with the natural means can make use of salt therapy. Medical researchers from Soviet Union are developing physical therapies to cut down on medicine costs and avoid side effects. Presently, Russia leads the development of physical therapies. A lot of clinical trials focused on salt therapy to treat chronic bronchitis and asthma. It is even proven clinically that salt therapy is very effective in treating all respiratory tract disorders.

The major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide are respiratory diseases. Drug therapies usually have palliative effects; and drugs with steroids or corticoids have considerable side effects. And so there is a great need for a natural cure like salt therapy.

Here is a list of countries that acknowledge the use and effectiveness of salt therapy:

- Romania
- Poland
- Germany
- Austria
- Armenia
- Bulgaria
- Hungary
- Belarus
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Slovenia

These countries believe that salt therapy is a very important treatment fro chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. It works well if you’re taking a medication or not and there are no side effects. Asthmatic patients and pregnant women can use the therapy. In European countries, salt therapy is usually covered by public medical systems, making it easier for the less fortunate to avail of the therapy at a minimal or no cost at all.

The salinity differs from one sanatorium to another. There are also salt lakes with different salinity ranging from 9g per 1 to 320g to 1.

Now, it is possible to have the natural cure even in your own homes. An inventor from Romania developed a certain device that can reproduce salt therapy in a home environment. This device is very convenient and affordable. People having bronchitis and other respiratory diseases can hope for a better and natural way of treating their condition at home. The device is called air salinizer that uses natural salt.

Using salt therapy does not entail any risk and can be adapted to your living space. But remember, natural cures are not substitutes for any medical treatment. Consult your doctor first. Natural cures like salt therapy can greatly improve the life of a patient having bronchitis. With it, you can reduce antibiotics, steroids or corticoids, and decrease hospitalizations.

This is an alternative that you might want to try yourself. If your medications are not enough to address bronchitis and other respiratory diseases, then you can try the natural cure.

Learning about the issues concerning chronic and acute bronchitis progression can answer your question if it is really contagious.

Chronic bronchitis is the infection and inflammation of mucosal membranes and bronchial tubes, which generates excessive mucus production. These high levels of mucus production in the person’s respiratory tract are only the inflammatory response of the body to the bronchial infection and irritation. Excess mucus disturbs the normal respiratory process by reducing significant amounts of air going to the lungs. The chronic bronchitis symptoms include difficult breathing, breath shortness, wheezing, discomfort, chest pain, and cough produced by mucus.

Chronic bronchitis can generate time-persistent and recurrent symptoms which can intensify as its progresses. Chronic bronchitis displays characteristics of productive coughs, greater susceptibility to respiratory tract’s viral and bacterial infections, and little responsiveness when treated by medications. Chronic bronchitis can last for tree months or more and reoccurs after two years. Today, there is still no specific treatment for chronic bronchitis.

Compared to sufferers of acute bronchitis, patients who are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis never respond to antibiotics treatments that well. The excess mucus in the bronchial tubes can facilitate bacterial proliferation and other organisms which causes infections. The disease can become very severe on the area where infections occur. Cilia barriers or the respiratory system’s natural defenses are ineffective to antibiotics for curing chronic bronchitis completely. Thus treating chronic bronchitis is focused on relieving the existing symptoms to prevent further development of other complications.

Patients in their incipient stages of chronic bronchitis perceived symptoms usually at night or in the morning. Patients who have advanced chronic bronchitis suffer from inflamed respiratory tract because of mucus obstruction. This condition generates persistent and intense cough or also known as the “smokers cough”. Sufferers of chronic bronchitis can also acquire pulmonary problems and may develop severe lung diseases such as emphysema and pneumonia.

As time goes on, patients with chronic bronchitis may experience poor blood oxygenation and hypoventilation or accelerated, shallow breathing. Complicated chronic bronchitis may also result to cyanosis or a condition wherein the skin turns bluish suggesting that pneumonia or emphysema is present.

Smoking alone cannot be considered as the main cause of developing chronic bronchitis. However, the illness occurs in most cases on regular smokers. Keep in mind that smoking contributes greatly on bacterial proliferation slowing down the process of healing the respiratory organs and tissues. Sometimes, asthma is often linked with chronic bronchitis due to similarities of symptoms. But patients who suffer both from chronic bronchitis and asthma may experience relapse of symptoms and shows unresponsiveness to medical treatments.

In some cases, chronic bronchitis becomes the consequences of mistreated or untreated acute bronchitis and other diseases associated with respiratory system. Chronic bronchitis is also caused by too much exposure to airborne pollutants such as chemicals and dusts.

Acute bronchitis is general are caused by infections of the lungs. Ten percent of these infections are bacterial in origin, ninety percent are viral. However, chronic bronchitis is caused by more than one factor. Acute bronchitis which repetitively attacks a person can irritate and weaken the bronchial airways resulting to chronic bronchitis.

Another culprit of chronic bronchitis is industrial pollution. Higher rates of patients are metal molders, grain handlers, cola miners, and works with continuous exposures to dusts. High sulfur dioxide concentrations present in the atmosphere also worsen chronic bronchitis symptoms. However, if it is an asthmatic bronchitis, it is not contagious.

Bronchitis can be contagious if the bacteria and viruses are transmitted to another person by indirect or direct contact. The fluid from the nose or mouth of the infected person can spread out by coughing, sneezing, sharing the same utensils and drinking glasses, and touching handkerchiefs or tissues. 

Bronchitis caused by viral colds is not considered contagious because the virus can finish its cycle for a few days. But patients with bronchitis, who still display cold symptoms, can be contagious. If the person is sick for more than ten days, then you don’t have to worry since it is only the aftermath resistance of bronchitis. But if the condition never yet exceed the ten day period, then it is contagious. Beware of catching particles when the patient coughs because you can be inflicted with the virus. The viral infection caused by flu and colds are contagious. Healthy people should never worry but needs extra care.

Bronchitis is a condition where bronchi or tubes connecting the trachea into the lungs are inflamed. Infection usually causes acute bronchitis and it can either be viral or bacterial. While bronchitis that is chronic is caused by continuous irritation of the lungs due to smoking or prolonged exposure to poisonous chemicals.

There are ten simple steps that you could follow to treat bronchitis successfully.

1. Take initiative to lessen your exposure to irritants and toxins. Stop smoking and avoid breathing secondhand smoke. Stay inside your house when the presence of air pollution is very high. Wear face masks to keep you protected from harmful chemicals and other irritants.

2.  Use vaporizer or humidifier to keep the air moisturized. This will aid in loosening secretions for you to breathe easier. 

3. Place a bottle with hot water on your back or chest. A moist, warm cloth can be also utilized. This reduces inflammation and is very useful when applied at night before you sleep.

4. Cover your mouth and nose with your scarf especially when you plan to go out in a cold atmosphere. Keep in mind that cold weather can aggravate bronchitis.

5. Avoid the use of cough suppressants. Coughing is needed to take out secretions. Suppressants can be utilized at night.

6. Take medicines as prescribed. If you take antibiotics to treat bacterial infection, then take its entire dosage. As much as possible complete the entire duration even if you already feel better.

7. Use inhalers and aerosols as prescribed. Never use larger dosage or frequently use it more than what is directed to prevent side effects.

8. Seek the advice of a general practitioner or naturopathic doctor regarding dietary supplements including echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, colloidal silver, vitamins A and C, and coenzyme Q10.

9. Improve your nutrition and diet. Drink lots of fluids including soups, herbal teas, and water.

10. Reduce or eliminate intake of foods with higher risks of mucus formation. It includes white flour, sugar, processed foods, dairy products, and foods causing allergic reactions.

People with bronchitis have also learned successful treatment based from their experiences.

- Some people find it effective in cleaning their mucus by ingesting vinegar with cucumber. It helps in killing bacteria in the lungs and excretes mucus out of the mouth.

- Charcoal slushes. Mix 4-6 teaspoon of charcoal powder with water enough to make a half-thick slush. The mixture is gritty when you drink it but it does not have any foul taste. Drink the dosage at 4 to 6 hours intervals while awake. Bacteria and germs will be absorbed by the charcoal and allow you to eliminate it in the bathroom.

- Use frankincense, thyme, and oregano oils. Give the patient 2 drops of frankincense oil, in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening for three days. Mix this oil with the Ciaga’s organic juice. For another three days, oregano and thyme are mixed in the same manner. Pleurisy root can be an alternative. This can relive symptoms such as breath shortness thus ventilation is not anymore needed.

- Breathing steam. Boil water with aromatic herbs in a pot. Turn off the stove. Use a towel to wrap your head similar to a mini-steamed bath then breathe in the steam by lowering your face on the pot carefully. It is okay if you do it upon intervals. Cooling down your face before returning. Repeat this process for several times in a day. Your phlegm will loosen because of the steam.

- In some cases, pounding the back with firm gentle strokes while the patient is lying down on the bed with belly down while keeping the upper parts of the body in hanging position helps. This is helpful in breaking-up or dislodging the phlegm. However, this procedure is not comfortable and unsafe but if done correctly, the mucous plugs can be taken out through coughing.

If ever the symptoms last for more than one week, the mucus turns green, rust-colored, or yellow, severity of cough increases, and develop chest pain when coughing, then it is advised to consult a doctor. It is also recommended to ask a physician and other health care providers before engaging in activities related to diet and health. This information is not however intended to become alternatives for medical treatment or advice.

A severe type of bronchitis is often referred to as “chronic bronchitis,” where the main air passageway of your lungs continues to swell and commonly recurs. 

Smoking is the main culprit for the presence of chronic bronchitis. Firsthand smoking is at a high risk to develop the said illness. Moreover, even if you don’t smoke but you are prone to inhale smoke from cigarettes and belches or breathe in irritants then you are most likely to develop chronic bronchitis. 

Once you observe the following symptoms then it is best to consult with your physician for you may be suffering from chronic bronchitis:

? Productive cough with abundant mucus and sometimes there is blood in your cough.

? Difficulty in breathing which is triggered by slight activities.

? Infections in the respiratory systems. 

? Easily weakened by non-strenuous activity

? Swollen feet, ankle or leg

? Persistent headaches 

When the above-mentioned signs are observed by you or your physician, your doctor will request for a series of tests to determine proper treatments. Most medical practitioner states that there is no absolute cure for chronic bronchitis. What you can do is give aid to the discomfort, pain and symptoms brought by the said illness. There are specific treatments to help you deal with chronic bronchitis. 

1. Bronchodilators

The primary aim of this treatment is to help you breathe easier. What it does is open the air passageway in your lungs to alleviate the briefness of breath as well as wheezing. 

Bronchodilators are divided into three subgroups such as beta2-agonists, anticholinergics, and xanthines.

Beta2-agonists are used to reduce the symptoms brought by chronic bronchitis by relaxing the airways in your lungs. Salbutamol and Terbutaline are some common types of beta2-agonists.

Anticholinergics are drugs used to help patients with chronic bronchitis breathe easier. However, it works differently compared to beta2-agonists. “Atrovent” is an example of this drug.

Xanthine comes from the “alkaloids” group wherein it is utilized to treat the symptoms of bronchitis. Others conclude that Xanthine can reduce the swelling of the air passageway of the lungs. 

2. Corticosteroids 

To prevent too much swelling and irritation of bronchial tubes, corticosteroids may be used. It is usually taken by inhaling the drug. However, there are patients who are prescribed to take the said medication in tablet form. These patients are the ones who experience severe lung infection. 

Misuse or overuse of this drug may result to hazy vision, repeated urination and the need to drink plenty of liquids.

3. Supplemental Oxygen

Not all individuals with chronic bronchitis need to have supplemental oxygen. If you have extremely low oxygen in your blood or you have minor damage in the lungs, then it is recommended that you undergo this kind of treatment. 

A cylinder or concentrator is used to deliver the oxygen you need into your body. With a use of “nasal prongs” you will be able to breathe in the oxygen supply that is required for you to take.
 
With the presence of oxygen, you will be able to sustain the normal level of oxygen in your blood which your body needs. Additionally, it enables you to breathe easier. 

4. Flu and pneumonia shots 

Flu shot is a vaccine to safeguard individuals from the “influenza virus.” The shot is commonly administered in the arms every year. Equally important is a pneumonia shot. With this vaccine, you will be protected from the infection “pneumococcal.”

There are short-term side effects when you get the above-mentioned shots such as reddishness of the injected body part, swelling or soreness. However, these are temporary side effects as reaction of the body to the vaccine. 

5. Antibiotics 

Antibiotics for chronic bronchitis are used to treat secondary bacterial infection. Telithromycin with a brand name “Ketek” is a widely used antibiotic for chronic bronchitis.

Apart from the suggested medication as chronic bronchitis treatment, it is also helpful to practice the following steps:

? You need to stop smoking, if you are a smoker. If you are non-smoker, you need to stay away from an environment with smokes and irritants. 

? You need to change your lifestyle by properly eating variety of foods from the food pyramid, getting enough exercise as well as getting ample of rest.

? It may be helpful if you can join support group programs. By doing so, you will be able to fully understand and accept your condition. It will also help you encounter other treatment methods which you can try.

Bronchitis is defined as a disease with acute inflammation of the respiratory tract. The term is basically coined from the Greek words bronchos, which means windpipe, and itis, meaning inflammation. Bronchitis takes place when the trachea or windpipe and the bronchi (both small and large) become inflamed which is likely caused by an infection or other factors.

Bronchitis has two types, acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections and from the acute word itself, it is only for a short period of time, but that is another story.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long term bronchial inflammation consequently followed by a raise in the production of mucus. It is also a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a group of respiratory diseases that hampers with normal breathing.

Chronic bronchitis can be caused by no specific factor but cigarette smoking is believed to be the major culprit of the illness. Following smoking, other causes may include environmental pollution (especially air pollution) and bacterial or viral infections.

To be considered as chronic bronchitis, the patient must experience cough and expectorations (meaning with phlegm or sputum) for no less than 3 months in a year for two successive years. Furthermore, other factors that may cause symptoms such as TB (tuberculosis) or other respiratory health problems must be excluded.

As a category of COPD, primary symptoms of chronic bronchitis are mucus expectoration, cough, and dyspnea or labored breathing during physical exertion. These symptoms commonly deteriorate over time. Persistent cough and mucus expectoration usually come first years before the development of aberrations in the airflow of the respiratory tract.

Dyspnea or labored breathing, due to its severity, more often than not causes interference in the patient’s day to day activities. Loss of weight is fairly not uncommon since eating needs a certain amount of physical exertion and the sometimes only breathing itself can be energy consuming for the patient.

There will come a time when the patient will find it difficult to even participate in mild exercise because of dyspnea. As bronchitis progresses, labored breathing will be experienced by the patient even at rest. Then the patient will become in danger of acquiring more respiratory infections and respiratory insufficiency, which consequently raises the danger for both chronic and acute respiratory failure.

Other warning signs of chronic bronchitis may include swelling of the feet, abnormal lung signs, heart failure, and bluish discoloration of the lips and skin.
Symptoms may be similar to other respiratory problems; therefore it is advisable that the patient should consult a physician. This is due to the fact that chronic bronchitis is frequently associated with other diseases of the respiratory system such as asthma, tuberculosis, sinusitis, pulmonary emphysema, and other upper respiratory infections.

Moreover, there are numerous examinations that are utilized by the medical professionals to identify chronic bronchitis. These tests or examinations may include the following:

? Pulmonary function tests, which assist in calculating the lungs’ capacity to appropriately exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through use of a spirometry and peak flow monitoring (PFM). Spirometry is an apparatus that is used by the doctor to evaluate the function of the lungs. PFM is a tool that is utilized to determine the greatest speed in which an individual can exhale or blow air out of the lungs. PFM helps in assessing how the malady is being controlled

? Pulse Oximetry. This is a small apparatus that measures the quantity of oxygen in blood.

? Chest X-ray. This fairly common diagnostic test is used to create images of the internal tissues, organs, and bones unto a film.

? Arterial Blood Gas or ABG. This is a blood test that is employed to assess the lungs’ capacity to supply with oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. This also helps in measuring the acidity of the blood.

? CT Scan or Computed Tomography. This is an amalgamation of x-rays and computer technology to produce sectional imagery of the body. This imaging device illustrates a comprehensive picture of any part of the body.

Although once a person acquires chronic bronchitis, which usually lasts a lifetime, this illness can be controlled. Treatments are utilized mainly to alleviate the symptoms. Nevertheless, the patient can still live a comfortable life if provided with a proper management of the symptoms. It may not be curable but it is manageable.

Cough and colds are considered ordinary illnesses by many individuals. However, it is unusual if it persists for more than a week. It may be something else. It may be bronchitis. 

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition wherein the bronchial tubes are irritated and swelled which is most of the time is accompanied by pain.

There are two types of bronchitis – acute and chronic. A viral infection is the primary cause why an acute bronchitis develops. It usually arises after a sore throat or cold and last for one to two weeks.

You need to watch out for the following symptoms of acute bronchitis:

? Throbbing Cough – a cough is an abrupt and recurring contraction of the thoracic cavity which produces a distinct sound.
? Runny nose – studies show that a runny nose is a mere irritation to an individual who has acute bronchitis. When you are inflicted with a runny nose, gently blow from your nose.
? Wheezing – there is obscurity in breathing with a distinct wheezing sound.
? Sore throat – this is a pain or scratchiness in one’s throat.
? Recurrent headache – this is a condition wherein pain is felt in the head. Sometimes pain can be felt in the neck or upper back.
? Chills – with this condition you may feel cold with quivering and paleness. There are instances that chills are accompanied by a sudden increase in temperature in the body. 
? Slight fever – sometimes termed as “pyrexia,” wherein there is a raise in the temperature of your body. A fever is considered slight or low grade if it falls between 38 to 39 °C.
? Malaise – this is a general term to describe an individual’s uneasiness, fatigue or ill health.
? Back pain – this is a condition where there is the presence of soreness in the back area which occur from the bones, nerves, muscles or joints. 
? Muscle pain – medically termed as “myalgia,” wherein there is soreness in the muscles in your body. 

Chronic bronchitis is the other type of the said illness. Compared to acute, when an individual has chronic bronchitis it denotes that the he has too much phlegm in the air passageway causing a successive and prolific cough. After three months of successive and prolific cough and other related symptoms, then you are most likely positive for a chronic bronchitis.

The above-mentioned symptoms of acute bronchitis are also applicable for chronic bronchitis; however the symptoms are more severe. Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms, here are the distinct symptoms of chronic bronchitis: 

? Cyanosis – it is a condition wherein the skin turns into a bluish color. The bluish color is due to the presence of “deoxygenated hemoglobin” in the vessels of your blood. 
? Edema – it is a condition where an organ or tissue swells because of excessive fluid in the lymph. Feet and ankles are the most common sites for edema to occur. 
? Heart failure – it is a condition where there is function disorder in the cardiac which results to the inability of heart to pump adequate amount of blood throughout the body.
? Clubbed fingers – it is a condition associated with heart and lung problems wherein the fingers and fingernails are deformed.
? Dyspnea – it is a condition where you will experience difficulty and shortness in breathing. 
? Shortness of breathing due to exertion (exercising or overworking)
? Too much airway mucus secretion
? Abnormal lung signs
? Repeated infections in the lungs and respiratory tract

There are some symptoms of bronchitis which resembles other respiratory problems. With this regard, it is best to consult with your physician to identify if you are indeed suffering from either acute or chronic bronchitis. Your physician will then assess your medical history as well as evaluate the physical exam he will do. To further assess the condition, other tests may be prescribed by your physician. 

An ordinary cough or cold should not be taken for granted; it must be cured as soon as possible to prevent other severe illnesses such as bronchitis to occur. You are one unfortunate individual if you will be inflicted with chronic bronchitis since there you will have to undergo long-term treatment. Medical studies show that there is no cure for chronic bronchitis.

Bronchitis and pneumonia is not synonymous. However, both are diseases affecting the lower respiratory system. Typically, it affects the airways going to the lungs, so it is imperative that a person should learn the major differences of the diseases to have a better understanding.

A severe lung infection is called pneumonia. The alveoli are filled with other liquid and pus. Thus the normal flow of oxygen is blocked. The blood is then getting less amounts of oxygen. In the absence of oxygen in your body, the cells fail to work properly. Proper treatment should be given, because less supply of oxygen and widespread infection can lead to death.

There are several factors which cause pneumonia, but the major cause of pneumonia is bacteria. The symptoms may include a headache, severe fatigue, loss of appetite, excessive sweating, skin is clammy when touched, and some degree of confusion.

- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium affecting twenty to sixty percent of adults and thirteen to thirty percent of children. This type of pneumonia is considered as community-acquired. Streptococcus classified as Group A or streptococcus pyogenes also causes pneumonia.  

- Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for acquired pneumonias in hospitals affecting ten to fifteen percent of people. This is often linked with patients having a weak immune system and viral influenza.

- Another bacteria present in cases of community-acquired pneumonias, people having chronic lung diseases, and children having cystic fibrosis is the gram-negative bacteria.

- Viral causes include RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), HPV (human parainfluenza virus), SARS (severe acute respiratory distress syndrome), herpesviruses,   influenza, and adenoviruses.

There are several types of pneumonia which you should also learn.

- Bacterial organisms cause atypical pneumonias including the walking pneumonia. A mild symptom like dry cough is apparent. However, hospital care is not needed.

- Aspiration pneumonia is a condition wherein the bacteria are present in the mouth. It is harmless if it stays there. But if gag reflex weakens, bacteria can penetrate your lungs causing the infection.

- Opportunistic pneumonia is harmless as long as the immune system is healthy. It can be harmful for people with vulnerable immune systems especially to illness and infection.

- Regional and occupational pneumonias are caused by exposure to chemicals. People who are exposed to cattle are at high risk of getting pneumonia due to anthrax.

Bronchitis is a disease affecting the bronchi. It is responsible for carrying the air from your trachea into your lungs. Inflammation due to irritation and infection can damage the cells on the bronchi areas. Normally, these cells contain cilia which remove and trap foreign particles that you breathe every day.

Blockage of the cilia causes obstruction on the airways increasing the irritation since the debris cannot easily flow. Mucus is then produced resembling to that of a cough. It makes the airways more vulnerable to infection and damages the tissue if irritation continues. Bronchitis has two types.

- Acute bronchitis can last for ten days. This is often accompanied by a severe flu or cold. Take note, bronchitis can start without any infection.

- Chronic bronchitis can last for three months or above. The symptoms are recurrent. So it must be always checked because it can threaten your life. This condition may also occur from a series attacks of acute bronchitis. It may also gradually develop because of inhaling dirty air or heavy smoking.

Viruses affect approximately ninety percent of people with acute bronchitis. Other cases are caused by repetitive exposures to irritants including smoke. This may develop chronic bronchitis. Using antibiotic is not effective because it cannot eradicate irritants or viral illnesses. It can only be effective with bacterial diseases. Moreover, you should never be confused of an asthma which produces significant amounts of cough and little wheezing. Often it is misdiagnosed as acute bronchitis.

The therapies that are most effective in treating bronchitis is being patient, avoid irritants, and maintain good nutrition. Some cases of viral bronchitis can last from eight to twelve weeks. Chronic bronchitis which is considered severe causes bronchi dilation. This makes the condition more susceptible to bacterial and severe infections caused by drugs.

It is very important to determine the differences between pneumonia and bronchitis. Health is very important thus proper diagnosis is essential for acquiring proper treatment.

Bronchitis is a common respiratory disorder that can occur to any age. It is usually associated with flues and colds. When the complication is left uncured, this can lead to pneumonia. Bronchitis attack the immune system of a vulnerable person especially the smokers.

Bronchitis can be classified as acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, depending upon the span of the occurrence of the symptoms. Pulmonary specialists give detailed diagnosis and the treatments to particular types of bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis has the shorter duration of symptoms. It is accompanied by symptoms like flu, persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, congestion, and wheezing. The wheezing sound is common to people suffering from acute bronchitis. This occurs when the air in the bronchial tubes are hindered by the inflammation.  Acute bronchitis can either be caused by bacteria or viruses. These elements infect the breathing passages, thus constricting the proper function of the respiratory system.

However, acute bronchitis can be cleared up for days.  With proper medication and sufficient treatment, the patient suffering from acute bronchitis can be cured.

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is the long term occurrence of the symptoms. It can last for some months or even years. Certain environmental factors can trigger the chronic bronchial infection such as dust, certain odor and cigarette smoke. Unfortunately, not only the smokers are exposed to bronchitis, but those who can inhale their spute out.

Chronic bronchitis also requires intense and persistent treatment until the full recovery of the patient. If this ailment is not properly addressed, the symptoms can reoccur and even aggravate to a certain degree of complication. The treatment of chronic bronchitis shall depend on the triggering factor.

In any manner, bronchitis has primer symptoms. These are coughing, excessive mucus, fever, pains in the chest, inflammation, discomfort, and wheezing. The symptoms of bronchitis can also lead to other respiratory problems such as sinusitis, asthma and complicated pneumonia.

Although bronchitis is a common respiratory disease, it is also often misdiagnosed. Because of this, Para clinical and physical examinations must be conducted in order to establish the accurate diagnoses. With the help of the laboratory analysis and pulmonary tests, the most vital signs of bronchitis become eminent.

In any case, bronchitis must be given attention before its further damage. When the cause of the infection is bacteria, antibiotics can work best to cure this respiratory illness. Fever is a chief indication that the bronchitis is due to bacteria. About 80% of patients prescribed with antibiotics can successfully find relief in five to ten days. However, only the physician can prescribe the right medication according to the diagnosis and laboratory tests. It must be noted that the improper administration of antibiotics can harm the patient.

Antibiotics have reported side effects such as diarrhea, rashes and abdominal pains. These side effects cannot be neglected as they can cause another set of discomfort to the patient. Nevertheless, they can be accepted during absolute necessity and the useful effects are denser.

When bronchitis is caused by viruses and other agents, antibiotics don’t work. The only way to deal with such case is to rest longer, maintain the patient’s humidity at a higher level, and keep the body hydrated by taking in more fluids. This will last for some days and if the symptoms persist for two weeks, a doctor must already be called. The condition could have drastically stirred to become pneumonia or asthma bronchitis.

Other than bacteria and viral infections, there are other causes of bronchitis. These are the obstructions in the bronchial tubes due to the inflammation in the respiratory tract, organs, tissues and mucous membranes. Because of the irritation, the secretion of mucus is increased. The mucus gather in the bronchial tubes causing the difficulty in breathing, coughing and the wheezing sound.

Bronchodilators are drugs administered to those who had difficulty in breathing. They help in reestablishing the respiration process. They are mostly used for patients suffering from chronic bronchitis and asthma.

Indeed, it is important to know the cause of the bronchitis. Such knowledge will lead to the proper treatment of the illness. While certain medications can be administered to the patient as first aid measure, the doctor must still be consulted. It is also proper to notify him about those medications given to the patient.

I want to havebig lungs so I can run easier and do everything while breathing more easily. I want to be able to run far and fast without having to stop for air.

Like any body part, you can exercise your lungs to be more efficient and powerful. I'd recommend the following: go for a 15 minute walk once a day (you can do this exercise any time but it's most effective if you do it for 15 minutes or more at a time).

While you're walking, take a deep breath lasting about 4 steps, hold it for 4 steps, then exhale for 4 steps, then hold your lungs empty for 4 steps. Once you've done that, increase it to 5 or 6 steps. Keep doing that for the entire walk. It's harder than it sounds.

Make sure you breathe properly - expanding your stomach to let the diaphragm muscles do their work on the inhale. Try not to use your shoulders to breathe deeply, that's not as effective.

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