BronchitisWhat are the Symptoms and Treatments

Many people know that in order to live a normal and productive life, one must be physically healthy. However, there are some instances where you may suffer from diseases. You have to consider that it is normal for people to suffer from diseases caused by viruses and by bacteria infection inside the body. This is why people take all the necessary steps and are continuing to research and develop different kinds of medicines for different kinds of illnesses.

One kind of disease that is considered to be one of the most common diseases in the world is called bronchitis. This kind of diseases is a form of respiratory illness that can affect the way you live your daily life. First of all, there are mainly two kinds of bronchitis. One is the acute bronchitis, and the other is called chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis is an illness where the bronchial tube is inflamed due to viral infection.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus infection. However, there are some cases where bacteria and fungus infection can also cause bronchitis. You have to consider that you need to know about bronchitis in order for you to know how to treat it properly and also know how to manage it. Acute bronchitis is considered to be very easy to treat and manage. This kind of bronchitis will usually last for only 10 to 12 days and will also be followed closely by flu or cold. Acute bronchitis will contain the following signs and symptoms that you need to be aware of:

• Mild chest pain
• Hacking cough with mucus
• Mild fever
• Headaches
• Sinus congestion
• Squeezing sensation around the eyes
• Wheezing sound when breathing
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort

These are the signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis that you should know about. It is important that you should consult your doctor immediately after you feel the mentioned signs and symptoms. They will be able to know what kind of infection you have or whether it is a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. With a proper diagnosis, the doctor will be able to give you the right kind of medicine.

Bronchitis caused by viruses doesn’t usually need medications, but you can consider taking medications for symptom relief, such as nasal decongestant, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Again, you first need to tell your doctor about your intentions of taking some medications as you may have allergies in certain kinds of drugs and some drugs are also considered to dangerous when combined, especially in pregnant women.

Today, research has found that some herbal medicines can help in alleviating the symptoms of bronchitis. One kind of herbal medicine that can help alleviate coughing associated with bronchitis is eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil helps loosen the phlegm to make it easier for the lungs to get rid of the mucus secretion inside. In fact, inhaling eucalyptus has been recommended by a lot of medical practitioners all over the world for bronchitis patients. To prevent bronchitis, or to at least minimize the chances of getting bronchitis, eating a lot of garlic is recommended. Garlic is filled with chemicals that kill virus and bacteria. In short, garlic is a natural antiviral and antibacterial herb.

Recent studies have found that the stinging nettle plant can treat bronchitis and other kinds of respiratory illnesses. The juice inside the roots and leaves mixed with honey or sugar can relieve the signs and symptoms that you can suffer from bronchitis.

Plants containing a good source of vitamin C can also help prevent and alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis. It is also recommended that you should eat plants containing magnesium as this can also help in alleviating the symptoms of bronchitis.

These are some of the herbal remedies that you can consider using if you have bronchitis. You can also try boiling oregano leaves and drink the juice.

It is recommended that you should not disregard if you are already seeing the early signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis. You have to remember that if you neglect it, it make likely develop into its chronic form that will cause permanent damage to your respiratory system.

The best thing that you can do to prevent bronchitis from affecting you is by changing your lifestyle by quitting smoking and drink alcohol in moderation. You should also exercise regularly to maintain your respiratory health.

Today, there are thousands of drugs available in the market, each with different illnesses to treat. One of the most common illnesses in modern society is respiratory illnesses. You have to consider that there are a lot of kinds of respiratory illnesses. Some are contagious and some are not. There are also different kinds of drugs for different kinds of respiratory illnesses.

The fact that you need a perfectly healthy body in order to function well in your daily activities, you have to know how to properly take care of it or at least know how to deal with it in case you get affected with a disease.

One of the most common diseases today is called bronchitis. This is a form of respiratory illness that can affect anyone at anytime. However, people who live in highly polluted areas, and people who smoke tobacco are usually affected as well as infant, children, the elderly and people who have weak lungs are also prone to bronchitis.

Bronchitis comes in two forms, one is acute bronchitis and the other is chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a short term bronchitis that requires little treatment. Usually, acute bronchitis doesn’t need any drugs at all. However, there are people who take expectorant in order to improve breathing. Some people take anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the symptoms. Sometimes, bronchitis can also congest the sinuses and can be a painful condition. To alleviate the symptom, you can take some nasal decongestant drugs.

Acute bronchitis usually lasts for up to only 10 to 12 days if properly managed and treated. However, it will also vary on the kind of infection that the bronchitis has. If it is a viral infection, you don’t need to take any special drugs to treat it. All you need is plenty of rest, plenty of water, and avoid dusty and highly polluted areas. If you want to alleviate the signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis, you can take some anti-inflammatory drugs, some pain medication, expectorant and nasal decongestant drugs.

However, if the virus is caused by bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe some antibiotics or antibacterial drugs that will kill the bacteria infecting your bronchial tube and your respiratory system. On rare cases, bronchitis can also be caused by fungal infection and for this your doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs along with other medications to alleviate the signs and symptoms. It is very important to remember that you shouldn’t just but any over-the-counter drugs as you may some allergies and some drugs are dangerous if combined to any other kind of drugs. If you prefer to take medications for your bronchitis, it is important that you should first consult your doctor. He or she will refer to your medical history and find out if you are allergic to any kind of medications. The doctor can also give you prescription on the right combination of drugs and can give you instructions on the proper dosage and the proper time to take it.

In the chronic form of bronchitis, you have to consider that this is a long term treatment that will require long term and well-managed care. Chronic bronchitis will also require you to take different kinds of drugs to help alleviate the signs and symptoms and also help treat the illness.

However, the most important step in treating acute bronchitis is by quitting smoking. If you do this early enough, you can reverse the damage in your lungs. The doctor will also prescribe some medications to help you overcome chronic bronchitis which may include inhaled medicines, such as bronchodilators to open your airway and let you breath easily, steroids, and antibiotics to prevent infection. In some cases, people with chronic bronchitis have low oxygen levels. For this, the doctor may recommend that home oxygen should be used.

The chance for a full recovery for people with chronic bronchitis is poor. Always remember that the key to cure chronic bronchitis is detecting it at its early stages and changing your lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake.

These are the things that you should remember about bronchitis. Always remember that before you take any drugs, you should first consult your doctor who will tell you about the proper dosage and the proper drugs to take.

The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook were written by Francois Haas and Shiela Sperber Haas. Both authors are gifted scientists besides being compassionate people.

This handbook is a bestseller in terms of guiding patients who suffer from emphysema and bronchitis. Thus, revision and expansion were done to provide the most recent information. These diseases are discussed in a way that patients can easily understand. Proper care of bronchitis and emphysema are also posted. Through this handbook, patients can restore their vitality and improve their relationship towards other people.

The authors of this handbook provide facts and useful information on finding the appropriate treatment and obtaining its full advantages. Clearly written and helpful, find out what are the contents of The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook.

Tips are provided on finding the best doctor. The treatment options which are very important to patients are thoroughly discussed. You will never worry about HMO’s since guidelines on dealing with them are also provided. Companies providing supplemental oxygen are listed. Even new techniques of surgery are posted to give patients wider options on how technological advances can help treat their diseases.

Anxiety and stress management are included so that patients never lose hope. Preventing symptoms of bronchitis and emphysema are incorporated to improve the quality of life of the patients. The accessibility of their wide helpful resources either by web or phone is easy. You can also read newsletters from experts keeping you informed of the latest developments associated with bronchitis and emphysema.

However, before purchasing this handbook, it is better to read some consumer’s review. In this way, you will have an idea of how useful and effective it is.

- Some people find this handbook very repugnant. It contains grim and frightening illustrations.  Thus the wicked line drawings of “blue bloater” and “pink puffer” looks like depiction of the dark ages regarding hell. People with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) never denied the fact that they are going to face death younger than their cohorts.

- Those who are more than fifty five years old may feel that hopes are robbed from them. This handbook failed to encourage them to lead worthwhile lives. Instead they suggest reading “courage books” offering stories of dignity, capability to cope, and hope. 

- A licensed psychotherapist who read the entire book never recommends it. Some contents associated with facing anxiety and depression may damage the patients psychologically.

- Some medical doctors find this handbook a very useful tool. It is because COPD is clearly discussed in plain English. In fact, COPD sufferers can easily learn and understand facts about the disease. This is appropriate for COPD dummies.

- Some people have given their testimonials how this handbook has helped them a lot. One reviewer said that the breathing exercises found in this handbook helped his father with serious emphysema condition. His father’s heart failed to function so the doctors let him breathe through an oxygen tank to keep his heart out of fibulation. But after doing the exercises, his condition slowly becomes better until oxygen is not anymore needed.

- The 1990 handbook edition helped one of the patients who were diagnosed with emphysema. He even considered this handbook superb since it immediately toured him and learn about emphysema taking away his ignorance. The firm foundation of the handbook is the posted break through in medical advances. It includes herbal therapy and LVRS or Lung Volume Reduction Surgery. Changes in the practices associated with health insurance ensure that COPD patients can still get the best quantity and quality of treatment. 

Living with COPD can be the most overwhelming and exhausting burden. Patients as well as their caregivers may continually live in fear of air running out, their abilities prematurely dwindle, and struggle in their fragility.

Some people who are close with people with bronchitis and emphysema are usually depressed, angry, and frightened. However, doctors are treating their COPD patients in the best way possible. But the problem is that many doctors only focus on the medical aspects of treating COPD rather than giving rehabilitation.

The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook can help people with COPD as well as their families to achieve a more realistic perspective of the disease. This can allow them to live calmly and confidently although they have chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

A medical diagnosis manifested by a productive cough of the sputum occurring for more than three months can be deemed as chronic bronchitis. It can occur consecutively for two years along with the obstruction on air passages. Pulmonary testing helps in proper diagnosis through documentation of reversible characteristics of airways obstruction.

The current foundations of chronic bronchitis management are sympathomimetic agents and inhaled ipratropium bromide. Although theophyllinne is a very important therapy, its usage is only limited to narrow therapeutic effects. Orally taken steroids are reserved from patients demonstrating improvements in airflow. Antibiotics also play an important role for alleviating acute exacerbations. Others include smoking cessation, nutritional and hydration support, supplemental oxygen, and strengthening respiratory muscles.

Chronic bronchitis is considered one of the most common COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) illnesses. In fact, this is the fourth major death cause in the U.S. There are approximately ten million Americans who are affected by COPD to some extent causing 40,000 deaths in a year.

The major risk factor in developing chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking. More than ninety percent of the patients have smoking histories, although fifteen percent of cigarette smokers are diagnosed ultimately with obstructive disease of the airways. Studies revealed that persistent active markers of airway inflammation upon bronchial specimen’s biopsy are found in symptomatic ex-smokers, even if these people already halted their smoking habit for thirteen years.

There are three major bacterial pathogens found in people with chronic bronchitis. It includes Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae. A speculative explanation between chronic bronchitis and infection interactions is due to the low colonization density of infectious agents on the lower respiratory tract which cause inflammatory reaction and triggers succeeding acute exacerbations.

Documentation which supports this concept is taken from various studies of patients affected by chronic bronchitis. The bacteria associated with IgE circulate in the body of the patients triggering histamine release after exposure to similar cultured bacteria of the lower respiratory tracts.  Added mechanisms including neurogenic inflammation is then developed causing chronic bronchitis symptomatic flare-ups. Thus the disease may continue because inflammatory mediators are sustained.

Diagnostic testing on the obstruction of the air passages must be done. Pulmonary function testing is recommended to determine how the patient responds to inhaled therapy such as bronchodilators. The obstructive disease of the airway is defined by the measured FEV1 (forced expiratory volume)/ FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio.

Most adults over their mid-life years, physiologic changes related to their age and elasticity of their lungs can cause a 30mL FEV1 decline in a year. Progressive declines of FEV1 rates means prolonged suffering from chronic bronchitis. The obstruction in the air passages caused by excessive sputum production can confirm chronic bronchitis diagnosis.

1. Blood tests. Advanced chronic bronchitis is determined through blood sampling taken from the artery. Usually, hypoxemia is very common characterized by ventilatory failure next to inflammation and bronchospasm. If ventilatory exchange of gas worsens, the condition is called concomitant hypercapnia. Testing through blood samples can also determine mild polycythemia.

2.  Chest radiograph. This tests although correlate poorly with chronic bronchitis symptoms in many patients, still, findings can be determined such as blebs, hyperinflation, bullae, peribronchial markings, and diaphragmatic flattening.

3. Electrocardiogram. This test is able to recognize disturbances in the supraventricular rhythm which include atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia having “P” pulmonale.  Airway biopsy findings also include submucosal and mucosal inflammation, hyperplasia of goblet cell, and increased muscle smoothness on the small noncartilaginous air passage. 

4. Sputum cultures. This is limited for patients that have never been admitted in hospitals but displays acute chronic bronchitis exacerbations. It is because cultures of samples never reflect any presence of the organisms in bronchial distal levels. The sputum’s gram stain is a way of determining if antibiotic therapy is needed. Protected-tip sputum cultures are suggested for hospitalized patients especially if atypical organisms cause the exacerbation.

The whole ten years of mortality rate after the chronic bronchitis diagnosis is fifty percent. Respiratory failure after acute exacerbation is often the most terminal event. It is because bacterial infections often follow, characterized by fever, purulent sputum, and worst poor ventilation symptoms. Other precipitants include seasonal changes, infections of the upper respiratory, medications, and prolong exposure to pollutants and irritants.  However, understanding the role of mediators which cause inflammation in chronic bronchitis led on a better management of the disease.

The most common disease associated with respiratory system is bronchitis. It is often accompanied by a cold or flu and affects people regardless of age. If your immune system is weak or you are a chain smoker, then you are greatly exposed to develop chronic bronchitis. In few cases, developing asthmatic bronchitis is also possible.

Smoking is considered to be a serious cause of bronchitis which can lead to other complications like pneumonia. The substances found in cigarettes as well other tobacco causes bronchial tubes irritation. Environmental pollution and exposures to chemicals can also lead to developing chronic bronchitis. In addition, second-hand smokes as shown in some studies can also cause chronic bronchitis.

Mostly, chronic bronchitis is diagnosed among metal molders, grain handlers, coal miners, and other dust-related occupation. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis worsen if air pollutants and sulfur dioxide also increases.

However, bronchitis is brought about by viruses. Within a few days, these viruses may disappear without medications. If bacteria is the cause of bronchitis, then antibiotics is needed to completely overcome it.

Bronchitis can either be chronic or acute. Acute bronchitis generates extreme symptoms. It normally clears up immediately if viruses caused it. Chronic bronchitis produces milder symptoms but later on can aggravate. This is often persistent with recidivating character. Chronic bronchitis requires continuous treatment to prevent symptoms from recurring.

Bronchitis manifests different symptoms including coughs, breath shortness, soreness, discomfort, excessive mucus production, headache, wheezing, chest pain, and fever. Fever is present due to bacteria infections posing any possible complications.

Among the COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) illnesses, bronchitis mostly affects more people. And despite its large affected population, it is usually misdiagnosed. Insufficient clinical examination can misinterpret bronchitis with allergies, asthma, and sinusitis.

The doctor will ask your medical background which includes pervious and recent smoking habits. Your endurance is also questioned whether or not it is easy for you to climb stairs or walk a long distance. Using a stethoscope, the doctor will examine your chest and back and listen to your normal breathing. In this way, signs of bronchitis can be determined.

However, the best way to confirm the presence and seriousness of bronchitis is to undergo PFT or pulmonary function tests. Keep in mind that these tests can be done if causes are known. It includes:

1. Spirometry. An instrument called spirometer is utilized to measure the air inhaled and exhaled from your lungs. Air volumes are measured to determine the ability of your lungs to hold and exhale air.

2.   Peak flow meter. It measures the PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate). PEFR is the maximum quantity of air that you can exhale upon forced exhalation.

3. Chest x-ray. This is suggested by a doctor to know if pneumonia problems are present. Mild x-ray changes can be a sign of chronic bronchitis.

4. ABG (arterial blood gas) test. This determines the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your blood. A blood is drawn from your artery. The procedure can make you very uncomfortable. Analysis of your blood gas is useful if oxygen therapy can be advised in case your blood oxygen is very low.

5. Additional tests are necessary if other problems related to your health are involved. If infections are present, sputum and blood tests as well as cultures are conducted to determine the causes of infections.

There are different factors when considering treatments for bronchitis. If it is not caused by bacteria, unblocking the obstruction from the airways is done. Medical treatments inhaled medications helpful in unblocking the air passages of your respiratory tract. Bronchodilators are widely used for asthmatic bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

Bronchitis inflamed the bronchial tubes, mucous membrane, and other tissues and organs associated with the breathing process. Once these fragile organs of the respiratory get irritated and inflamed, excessive mucus is produced so that external agents such as irritants and dusts cannot penetrate. Excess mucus clogs the air passage and blocks the air from going into the lungs. This is the time when a person experiences cough, wheezing, or breathing difficulty.

Basically, bronchitis is not easy to diagnose. It is because its symptoms are also present in other respiratory diseases such as asthma and sinusitis. But these careful laboratory analyses and physical examinations help a lot.

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.

There are basically two kinds of bronchitis, acute and chronic bronchitis. These two may have the same last names but they vary from their causative effects and treatment prescribed to control the diseases.

Acute bronchitis is a short-term illness that becomes rampant during the cold seasons. It is usually followed by a viral infection and can go together with a bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis is self-limiting which clears itself within fourteen days but the cough may continue. Like any other upper respiratory tract infections, having acute bronchitis can raise chance of developing pneumonia.

People who are at risk of getting acute bronchitis are infants, very young children, and the old adults. This is due to the fact that infants and very young children still have underdeveloped immune systems, while the old adults, on the other hand, have immune systems that have become weaker due to ageing. Other group populations who are at risk are smokers and those with preexisting lung and/or heart ailments. People who are often exposed to pollution are also at risk of being afflicted with acute bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is also an inflammation of the respiratory tract with an accompaniment of phlegm expectoration and coughing. But in chronic bronchitis, the signs ands symptoms are at hand for no less than 3 months for two successive years.

Chronic bronchitis may be caused by the inhalation of respiratory airway irritants. Airway irritants may be in the form of cigarette smoking or pollution or a combination of both. Because this disease advances gradually, middle aged individuals and the elderly are expected to be diagnosed with this malady.

The main objective for the treatment of both acute and chronic bronchitis is to alleviate the symptoms.

For acute bronchitis, treatment consists of lots of intake of fluids, quitting smoking, taking a break, humidifying the home environment, and medications (in case of fever and pain). Acetaminophen is the most prescribed medication to fight pain and fever. Another is aspirin, but this is contraindicated for children and pregnant women due to the fact that this drug is suspected to be the cause of Reye’s syndrome among children. For women, it may cause severe bleeding.

Anti-cough medicines are taken when the sufferer experiences dry cough (cough without phlegm). But if the individual is experiencing cough with phlegm, then it should be left as it is and let the phlegm come out naturally. This is because if cough is suppressed and the phlegm is contained within, then it will eventually accumulate in the air passages which will cause an obstruction and may become a hotbed for dangerous microorganisms.

Expectorants, on the other hand, are medications that help liquidify or thin out the thick mucus in the lungs to make it easier to cough out.

Moreover, if the physician has detected a bacterial infection then an antibiotic medication may be prescribed. Intake of antibiotic medications should be done religiously as the physician ordered because any lapse may only cause the return of the disease or worse, the bacteria may produce a strain that could become immune to the medication.

Antibiotic medications may include the following:
? azithromycin
? trimethoprim or sulfamethazole
? clarithromycin
? tetracycline or ampicillin
? amoxicillin (for children below eight years of age due to the fact that tetracycline causes discoloration on the teeth that have not come out)

As for chronic bronchitis, treatment is a bit more multifaceted than acute bronchitis. The physician would need to carefully evaluate the patient for other health problems before a treatment plan can be employed to control the disease. Including in the treatment plan are changes in lifestyle that will involve stoppage of smoking and keeping away from polluted environments. Regular exercise may also help in the control of the disease.

Medications for chronic bronchitis include anti-inflammatory medications and bronchodilators. Anti-inflammatory drugs decrease the inflammation in the respiratory tract tissues.

The following are commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs:
? Corticosteroids (i.e. prednisone, can be taken either as an oral medication or through IV)
? Ipratropium (also reduces the amount of mucus produced)

Meanwhile, bronchodilators help loosen up the bronchial muscles which then permits increase air flow in the respiratory passages. These can be taken in orally or by inhalation through a nebulizer (an apparatus that transport medication to the respiratory tract). Bronchodilators may include the following:
? metaproterenol
? albuterol

With the advancement of chronic bronchitis, the individual afflicted may eventually require supplemental oxygen. And in the later stages of the disease, the patient may need to be in the hospital if he or she developed severe complications.

In addition to conventional medications, herbal medicines can be also included in the treatment plan. Herbal medicines may be inhaled (like eucalyptus) or taken as tea made from mullein or Verbascum thapsus, coltsfoot or Tussilago farfara, and anise seed or Pimpinella anisum.

There are numerous medications out there and it is best to consult the physician to know which drug can best help treat and/or control bronchitis.

My grandpa is 80 years old and has Emphysema. He also has diabetes, has had 2 heart attacks, bi-pass surgery (within the last 20 years) and has to be on oxygen constantly. My grandma came over today and before she left, she told me that I "really need to get over to see my grandpa". The way she said it kind of freaked me out. I'm feeling like she knows something that I don't. And I didn't want to push by asking. How long do people live with Emphysema?

No one can really tell you how long people with emphysema can live. I was dx. 10 yrs ago with severe emphysema. Many people in my support group are in their 70's and 80's and still going. Your grandfather has other serious complications in addition to his emphysema, all of which are life threatening. I'd suggest you see your grandpa as much as you can for as long as you can. I promise you, you won't regreat it. My best to you and your grandparents

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Dr. Donald Tashkin UCLA Geffen School of Medicine Pt 2 of 2. Conclusion of 2 part interview with the famous research doctor from UCLA Geffen School of Medicine. Pulmonary research on use of marijuana and interaction with the lungs was funded by the Federal Government to prove that lung cancer is caused by smoking marijuana, however the results proved cannabis does not cause lung cancer.

If you agree that cannabis should be legal, write a letter to your congressperson and tell them to legalize it!

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