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Bronchitis is when the line the bronchial tubes become inflamed. As with the common cold, virtually everyone has had bronchitis at some time. It usually is caused by a viral infection that spreads to the bronchi. There are several types of bronchitis; the most common types are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes, it usually only lasts a few days. Chronic bronchitis is when acute bronchitis lasts for months at a time and returns every year after that.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses. It may also be caused by physical or chemical agents -- dusts, allergens, strong fumes and those from chemical cleaning compounds or tobacco smoke. It can be either viral or bacterial acute asthmatic bronchitis may happen as the result of an asthma attack, or it may be the cause of an asthma attack. Acute bronchitis is usually a mild, and self- limiting condition, with complete healing and return to function. Acute bronchitis may follow the common cold or other viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. It may also occur in people with chronic sinusitis, allergies, or those with enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
It can be serious in people with pulmonary or cardiac diseases. Pneumonia is a complication that can follow bronchitis. These are the most common symptoms for acute bronchitis, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently, runny nose, uneasiness, chills, a light fever, back and muscle pain, sore throat. In the early in the stages of acute bronchitis there is a dry, non-productive cough, meaning mucus is produced.
But, later there is Chronic bronchitis involves the bronchial tubes: the main airways that branch into the lungs. In chronic bronchitis, they have been constantly irritated by inhaled cigarette smoke, air pollution, or other harmful substances. When the bronchial tubes have been irritated for years, their walls thicken or swell. They produce more mucus, so less air flows through. Coughing, every day for months brings up the mucus. The irritated airways become an ideal breeding place for infections that can endanger the lungs.
Some treatments for bronchitis are cough suppressants that will help with the severity of the cough and with the bronchial irritation. Coughs often lasts several weeks after you recover from acute bronchitis. A cool mist ultrasonic humidifier placed by the bed and pointing over your face can also help. Suffers should drink at least two quarts of liquid each day. Ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen are helpful for muscle aches and pains, headaches, etc. Suffers should also get as much rest as you can.
A drug called a bronchodilator, either oral or through an inhaler, is available from your physician. If your physician thinks bacteria cause the infection, he can prescribe antibiotics. Before people seek help for bronchitis they should look for signs they have bronchitis some signs are if they have significant shortness of breath or shortness of breath at rest. If they are an infant and are unable to nurse because of shortness of breath. Also if the patient is an infant, or small child and has rapid breathing or a raspy cough. If their temperature is over 101 degrees for over 24 hours.
If the person so ill that he may have something more than serious than a cold. To prevent getting bronchitis people need to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids. The use a humidifier in their room. A weird unusual way people have developed bronchitis is that people have taken a prescription cough medicine not prescribed to them They should also avoid irritants to their airways, such as tobacco smoke. In conclusion bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory tract that can be prevented if people stay away for irritants and cigarette smoke.
Most people dont die from bronchitis. But, it does lead to diseases like emphysema and pneumonia. So people should avoid getting bronchitis. Bibliography: ALA. com Anatomy and Physiology by Norman Harris
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