Symptoms of Bronchitis
Colds and coughs are a common illness for many people, but if the condition lasts for more than a week it might be considered as bronchitis. When there is a respiratory illness where in the bronchial tubes of the lungs are irritated and swollen accompanied with pain it can be identified as bronchitis.
There are two types of bronchitis. The first one is usually caused by a viral infection and usually arises after a sore throat or cold and only lasts from one to two weeks. This is termed acute bronchitis.
There are common symptoms of acute bronchitis that you need to be aware of:
Throbbing cough - a cough with a sudden contraction of the chest which makes a distinct sound.
Runny nose - considered as one of the more common irritations of people with acute bronchitis.
Wheezing - a sound that can be heard when a person with acute bronchitis is breathing.
Sore throat - throat pain and itch.
Repeated headache - a condition where the pain is commonly felt in the head, neck and back.
Chills - this condition may be accompanied with quivering and paleness and in some cases it can arise with a sudden increase of temperature.
Slight fever - in acute bronchitis there is an abnormal elevation of bodily temperature.
Malaise - feeling of discomfort when there is acute bronchitis.
Back and muscle pain - soreness of bones in the back and muscle.
Chronic bronchitis is another type of bronchitis, where the airways in lungs have too much phlegm causing violent coughing. This condition can last for more than a month to several years.
The symptoms of acute bronchitis can also be experienced in chronic bronchitis. However they may be more severe. Chronic bronchitis may show distinct symptoms to be able to differentiate it from acute bronchitis.
Cyanosis - a bluish color of the skin due to deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
Edema - swelling on the feet and hands due to excessive fluid in the lymph.
Heart Failure - a complication of chronic bronchitis where in the heart is not able to properly pump blood to the body.
Clubbed fingers - fingers deformity common with chronic respiratory illnesses.
Dyspnea - difficulty in breathing
Shortness of breath with excessive movement.
Too much mucus secretion.
Lung or respiratory tract infection.
Symptoms of bronchitis may resemble symptoms of other respiratory problems which is why it is important to consult your doctor to differentiate it from other conditions and to determine if the bronchitis is acute or chronic. The doctor will assess and conduct physical examinations to evaluate the condition. Furthermore, the doctors may recommend laboratory tests to be able to distinguish the condition.
An ordinary cold and cough should not be taken for granted; treating it the right way to prevent it from developing into a more serious condition like bronchitis is important.
Simple Ways to Manage Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory condition where there is inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes which lead to the lungs. The illness that is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria can be termed acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is caused by prolonged irritation of the lungs due to smoking or excessive exposure to harmful chemicals.
There are simple ways that might help in the management of bronchitis:
Avoid pollution by stopping smoking and avoiding smoke from other tobacco users, also avoid smoke polluted areas and wear a mask if needed.
Use a vaporizer or humidifier to moisten the air. This helps loosen thick mucus and ease breathing.
A warm water bottle or hot towel placed against your back or chest before sleeping may help decrease inflammation.
Cold weather will usually aggravate bronchitis so it may help to cover your mouth and nose when outside in cold temperatures.
Avoid using cough suppressants when possible because coughing is how you expel mucus. However, cough suppressants could be taken at bedtime if needed in order to sleep.
Take medicine as prescribed. Don't stop or miss a dose, and complete the entire prescribed duration. To help avoid side effects, use inhalers or medicine only in proper dosages.
Watch your nutrition and drink more warm liquids including soups, tea, and water. Stay away from foods that stimulate mucus formation such as flour, milk, canned foods, poultry and any foods that cause allergy symptoms.
The following are some old home remedies for managing bronchitis. These are for informational purposes only. You should always consult a doctor to help you manage your condition.
A mix of cucumber and vinegar may be helpful in reducing bacteria in the respiratory tract and make for easier mucus expectoration.
A mixture of water and powdered charcoal to produce a slushy drink and taken in 4-6 hour intervals may help absorb bacteria which can then be eliminated through your bowels.
A mixture of organic juice and oil of frankincense, 2 drops 3 times a day for 3 days followed the next three days with a mixture of oregano and thyme, may help relieve shortness of breath.
Breathe steam from hot boiled water by placing your face closely to the bowl and covering your head and bowl with a towel to catch all the steam. This technique may be useful to help loosen up phlegm.
Firm but gentle clapping of the back when patient is laying down with his upper body hanging over the bed, will help drain out mucus. This process is uncomfortable and may even be unsafe if done incorrectly. Ask your doctor to show you the proper procedure.
If symptoms of bronchitis last longer than a week with yellow, green or rust colored mucus, or if you have severe coughing or chest pain, it is important to visit your physician. Consulting with your doctor first is important for proper treatment of bronchitis.
Prevention of Acute Bronchitis
In order to function normally and productively you should maintain a healthy body by preventing illness from becoming worse. There are millions of people suffering from different respiratory illnesses, from ordinary asthma to more serious respiratory disorders. It is important to know that the respiratory system is one of the most vital parts of your body that needs to be taken care of in order to live normally and productively.
However there are some people who are more prone to respiratory illness like tobacco smokers and those people living in areas where there is high level of air pollution. Bronchitis is a common respiratory illness that can affect these people. It is a condition where the bronchi of the bronchial tree in the lungs are inflamed. If you are one of those affected people, you should educate yourself on how to prevent bronchitis.
There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis lasts for 10 to 12 days. It is mainly caused by a virus or bacteria and in some cases it may come from fungus. People suffering from acute bronchitis have the following symptoms, constant coughing with mucus, excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, low fever, vibration felt when breathing, and sometimes a cold feeling.
The virus that causes acute bronchitis is the same virus that leads to the common cold. Usually there are no special medications for acute bronchitis when it is caused by a virus, all you need to do is take plenty of rest and fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol. However if acute bronchitis is caused by bacterial infection it is recommended to take antibiotics and use other preventive treatments like humidifiers for the patient's room.
Acute bronchitis is closely associated with the flu or cold, coughing will usually continue during the healing process of the bronchi of the lungs, however if the coughing becomes persistent for more than a month, consulting your doctor is recommended to identify conditions other than bronchitis that may cause coughing.
Chronic bronchitis on the other hand is a more serious condition than acute bronchitis, where it can last up to three months to years and has more associated complications and needs more intense medical attention.
Prevention is better than a cure. You do not have to suffer from illness when you know how to prevent it. Bronchitis can be prevented by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, quitting smoking if you are a smoker and if you are living in a polluted area using an air conditioner and filters in your house are recommended to be able to breathe clean air.
Bronchitis causes discomforts in patient's life, that is why it is important to become aware of the signs and symptoms of this illness to determine if you already have this condition, or if it is time to consult your doctor. Bronchitis is a preventable illness, establishing proper hygiene inside your house and taking care of your health may help you avoid this condition.
Home Remedies as a First Aid for Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory illness where there is an inflammation in the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis which are acute and chronic, in which acute is commonly caused by virus and a short term illness. While chronic bronchitis on the other hand is usually caused by smoking and other infectious agents and can last for several months to years.
There are some home remedies that can be helpful in the treatment of bronchitis which sometimes serves as first aid for this condition. These remedies are proven to help heal bronchitis infection and ease the symptoms like congestion and coughing, which causes patient irritability, uneasiness and to some extent pain.
Environment humidification
By using humidifiers it can moisten the air within the house and can help in bringing up the sputum and loosening the phlegm through coughing. These may include a hot bath with closed doors, slow boiling of water with added eucalyptus oil if available.
Taking plenty of liquids
Drinking of plenty of fluids is helpful in thinning out sputum and makes it easier to expel. Most common drinks are water, fresh fruit juices, soup and sometimes tea. It is more helpful as long it is warm because it can soothe the throat from too much coughing.
Gargle with warm water with salt
Gargling with warm water with enough salt can relieve an inflamed throat and can loosen up mucus that is attached to the throat. Gargle as often as possible and remember to spit out after gargling.
Getting enough rest
Taking time to rest is the one of the most important remedies. Having bronchitis can cause you with discomforts and you may not be able to sit still or lie comfortably. All you have to do is take it easy until your body can fight the infections.
Your kitchen may also contain natural remedies that can help in the treatment of bronchitis. While you are following your doctor's prescription, these natural remedies can also help soothe some of your symptoms. Ginger is a common ingredient in your kitchen, with a mixture of ginger on your tea or honey it can alleviate fever associated in bronchitis and soothe your throat. Onion juice when taken first thing in the morning can thin out phlegm and avoid further formation, because onion is said to be a natural expectorant. Almond is another remedy effective when you have bronchitis or other respiratory illness. It can be taken in any form. Spinach mix and asparagus drinks are also good expectorants. Your diet should also be limited to an all fruit diet and a well balanced diet, including orange juice and water.
If the bronchitis became worse in spite of the home remedies available, you can take aspirin or ibuprofen for aches and pains. It is best to consult your doctor, before taking any medications or trying to treat yourself. Your doctor is the best source of treatment for bronchitis.
Medications for Bronchitis
Basically there are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a short term illness that becomes more common during cold weather. It is usually followed by viral infection and can be associated with bacterial infections. Acute bronchitis usually clears itself within 2 weeks, but the cough may continue. And in some cases of acute bronchitis it can develop into pneumonia.
Infants and very young children, with underdeveloped immune systems and elderly who have weaker immune systems because of ageing, are more susceptible to acute bronchitis. Smokers and those with pre-existing lung and heart problems are also at risk in having acute bronchitis. People who are exposed to too much pollution are also more prone to this condition.
Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory illness where in the respiratory tract is also inflamed but in this case, it is accompanied with over secretion of mucus and coughing. The signs and symptoms can also last for a longer period of time. Chronic bronchitis can be caused by airway irritants including cigarette smoking and air pollution. This condition develops slowly, that is why middle aged and elderly individuals are most commonly diagnosed as having chronic bronchitis.
The main purpose of treating acute and chronic bronchitis is to lessen the signs and symptoms. For acute bronchitis, treatment may only consist of taking a lot of fluids, getting enough rest, installing humidifiers in the house, and stopping smoking. Medications are prescribed only when there is fever and pain, the most common is aspirin or Tylenol. Aspirin is contraindicated with very young children because it may result in Reye's syndrome and for pregnant women it may cause bleeding.
Medication for cough is only prescribed when patient has a dry cough or cough without phlegm. Expectorants are a common medication that can thin out hard mucus for easier coughing. But if the cough has phlegm, cough suppressants are not usually recommended, it will eventually comes out. If the phlegm is suppressed within the air passage, there will be an obstruction and it may become breeding area for dangerous microorganism.
However if the patient is diagnosed with bronchitis associated with bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. Taking antibiotics must be done as prescribed, if not, it may worsen the illness or there may be antibiotic resistance. Common antibiotics prescribed are, Azithromycin, trimethoprim or sulfamethazole, clarithromycin, tetracycline or ampicillin and amoxicillin.
Treatment for Chronic bronchitis is more complex, the patient will be evaluated for other health problems first before proceeding with treating chronic bronchitis. Medications for chronic bronchitis include, anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids and Ipratropium. Bronchodilator medications are also prescribed to relax bronchial muscles to increase air flow. These can be taken orally or through a nebulizer. These include metaproterenol and albuterol.
In addition to conventional medicine, herbal medication may be prescribed for bronchitis. It can be in the form of a tea or it can be inhaled. The chronic bronchitis patient may eventually require the need for supplemental oxygen. And if the situation gets worse the patient should be taken to the hospital, so doctors can treat and monitor the condition.
Antibiotics for Bronchitis
Proper medication is important in curing an illness, but it is also essential to use a reliable source of these medications, like your trusted physician. Antibiotics are medications that slow or stop the growth of bacteria. Prescriptions of antibiotics depends on what kind of infections causes your illness, like in the case of bronchitis there are specific antibiotics for this condition depending on the severity and status of the illness.
Bronchitis is a respiratory illness where in the lining of the bronchial tubes is inflamed. The condition may be acute bronchitis which is most often caused by viruses and bacteria and lasts for only a short period of time. Bronchitis may also be chronic in nature where there is too much mucus secretion and a productive cough which is mainly caused by smoking or infectious agents and lasts much longer from several months to years.
Antibiotics for bronchitis are prescribed by doctors, but in many cases the condition does not benefit from antibiotics. Because acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses most doctors do not prescribe antibiotics. Their effectiveness with acute bronchitis is so small compared to the side-effects that these antibiotics may bring. Most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sore mouth, skin rashes, headache, sunburn easily and vaginal yeast infection.
The increase and improper used of antibiotics may also lead to antibiotic resistance in which the bacteria may mutate in ways so they will be able to survive in spite of medications; that means the antibiotics may not work on the next time that it is used. And since most antibiotics are expensive, costs may not be worth the benefits. Acute bronchitis usually clears up on its own in two to three weeks just by drinking lots of fluids and getting enough rest.
Doctors prescribe antibiotics because some can be beneficial on the infections that are associated with the condition, but not directly on the bronchitis. They may help in decreasing the duration of the cough as well. There are some antibiotics which are known for treating both acute and chronic bronchitis but also prescribed for other medical illness. Ampicillin is used for the treatment of infections that result from acute bronchitis. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic used for infections in the respiratory tract. Azithromycin and Amoxicillin are considered effective treatment for bacterial infections causing bronchitis. Telithromycin is a drug used for mild to moderate infections in the respiratory system.
When taking antibiotics you should also be aware of the adverse effects they may bring to your body. Precautionary measures are also important when taking antibiotics for bronchitis and these include, consulting your doctor of the severity of bronchitis before beginning antibiotics and taking the antibiotics as prescribed, do not stop or miss doses. Consulting your Obstetrician or gynecologist is also important if you are pregnant.
Some experts advise not to take antibiotics for acute bronchitis especially when you do not have other medical problems. It will not only save you from potential side-effects but also from unnecessary expenses.
Allergic Bronchitis and Its Treatment
Respiratory illnesses have significant effects on the lives of millions of people. It can be acute, when it is a short term illness and easily treatable. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is difficult to treat and may cause damage to the respiratory tract.
Allergic bronchitis is a kind of respiratory illness that is considered as an asthmatic type, where in the bronchi and lower airways of the respiratory system become inflamed by allergens and irritants. In allergic bronchitis, both asthma symptoms and allergies are present which can cause hay fever and allergic rhinitis.
Allergic asthma is also sometimes called allergic bronchitis. This condition is triggered when the overly active immune system identifies harmless substances as dangerous and then releases antibodies to attack them as they enter the body.
Most allergic bronchitis is mainly caused by an exposure to allergens, while there are conditions that can be considered as a non-allergic bronchitis which is caused by a virus or bacteria.
Symptoms of allergic bronchitis may include runny nose, shortness of breath, red or swollen eyes, rashes, hyperventilation, tickling in throat, constant sneezing, tight chest, headache, nausea, coughing, and other allergy symptoms.
There are some cases that a person can be so sensitive to allergens that blocked airways caused by severe swelling of the tissue in the airway can cause hospitalization or death and this is considered as a dangerous situation that needs immediate medical assistance. But fortunately in most cases allergic bronchitis is considered as a mild to moderate condition.
Awareness of this particular condition is important. Treatment of mild to moderate types of allergic bronchitis includes, taking anti-histamine medications and avoiding allergens that can stimulate the allergy. You may also take into consideration to be more careful during summer, because allergens are most common this season. Cats and dogs can also have allergens caught in their fur that is why it is important to bathe your pets regularly to avoid allergens.
Consulting your doctor is also important. They usually conduct an examination or skin test where in allergens are inserted beneath the skin that will identify specific allergens that cause allergic bronchitis. Your doctor may also recommend you to an allergist, who specializes in this condition and can give you more advice in preventing the occurrence of allergic bronchitis.
Allergic bronchitis is manageable, however if you have this illness you must also be aware that it can be dangerous at times. It is important that you know how to deal with it whenever you are exposed to unexpected allergen, like taking medications with you at all times in case of emergency.
The right information is important in dealing with an illness like allergic bronchitis. To learn more about allergic bronchitis, visiting your allergist or your physician is recommended.