Bronchitis

The infection which affects the bronchi of the lungs that causes the irritation and inflammation of the bronchi is medically called bronchitis. A person having sore throat, influenza and cold have very high chances of developing this infection which is normally found in winter. Even though anyone can be infected with bronchitis, the chances that people who work with materials causing lung irritation like grains as well as chain smokers developing this infection is high.

Bronchitis is characterised by a typical cough with greyish yellow mucus. Bronchitis can also result in wheezing, blocked nose as well as sore throat.

Even though bronchitis clears on its own, in certain cases it tends be severe. The former one which is present for a short period of time, i.e. for a few weeks, is known medically as acute bronchitis. The latter one tends to stay over a longer period of more than three months. This is termed as chronic bronchitis.

Treatment for acute bronchitis does not require any medication. But in cases where chronic bronchitis is associated with asthma or any such conditions, one must consult the doctor.

Symptoms

Bronchitis is mainly characterised by hacking cough along with thick greyish yellow mucus.

In people who are regular smokers, the cough exists for more than three months. This condition is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Some of the other symptoms that can be observed in a person suffering form bronchitis are:

• breathlessness
• wheezing
• a feeling of the chest being tight.
• mild fever and slight chills
• sore throat
• blocked nose
• blocked sinuses
• headaches
• aches

One must consult a doctor if he experiences one of the conditions mentioned below:

• If the cough experienced is very severe lasting for more than three weeks
• having high fever continuously for three days or more
• blood streaked mucus while coughing
• if the person has rapid breathing
• if the person develops chest pain
• there is confusion or drowsiness
• repeated episodes of bronchitis
• if the person have emphysema or asthma
• if the person has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• if the person has congestive failure of the heart.

Causes

Bronchitis can be caused by both bacteria as well as virus. But the normal case of bronchitis is a viral infection, which is caused by the virus that causes influenza or common cold.

Bronchitis can also develop by the inhalation of substances that can cause irritation and damage to the lungs.

Treatment

For acute bronchitis, following self care techniques can be taken at home
Take proper rest
Fluid intake should be higher.
Analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to get relief from headaches and fever.
One can use cough syrup available OTC to ease the pain from cough.
Stop smoking.

For chronic bronchitis, one must visit the doctor. Antibiotics will be prescribed only if there is high risk of pneumonia. The course of antibiotics will be for five days.

Prevention

Bronchitis can be prevented if a person follows the advice mentioned below:

Maintenance of a healthy hygiene
Get rid of the habit of smoking.
Use protective masks while working with materials which can cause irritation of the lungs.