Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lung or bronchus that cause inflammation , or inflammation of the airways that. These conditions included as respiratory diseases.
Here are some of the symptoms caused by bronchitis :
Bronchitis is divided into two types. First, acute bronchitis last for two to three weeks. Acute bronchitis is one of respiratory tract infections are the most common. Acute bronchitis is most often strikes children under 5 years old. Second, chronic bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi that lasts at least three months in the year and repeated the following year. Chronic bronchitis is more common in adults over the age of 50 years.
- Cough with mucus yellow or grayish green
- Sore throat
- Hard to breathe
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Fatigue
Why of Bronchitis
Bronchi are the airways of the respiratory system that carry air to the lungs and vice versa. Bronchial wall produce mucous or phlegm to keep dust and other particles that can cause irritation to not get into the lungs.
Acute bronchitis is derived from a lung infection that is most commonly caused by a virus. Irritation and inflammation causes the bronchi produce more mucous. And the body tries to remove phlegm or mucous excessive by expectoration.
Stricken with acute bronchitis many times can suppress and weaken the bronchi and eventually lead to chronic bronchitis.
The most common cause of bronchitis is smoking. Each puff cigarettes could potentially damage the tiny hairs in the lungs called cilia hairs. Hair cilia function flush and sweep out the dust, irritants, and excess mucous or slime. After some time, the content of cigarettes can cause permanent damage to the cilia and the lining of the bronchial wall. When this happens, the dirt can not be removed and disposed of with normal. Phlegm and dirt that has accumulated in the lungs makes breathing system becomes more susceptible to infection.
In most cases, bronchitis can be treated easily at home. You only need to see a doctor if symptoms of bronchitis that appears to be getting worse and not as usual, for example:
To diagnose bronchitis, the doctor will ask the symptoms experienced, checking and also listen to the chest wearing a stethoscope.
- Cough experienced more severe and last longer than three weeks.
- Has a fever for more than three days.
- Followed by a productive cough blood.
- You suffer from heart disease or lung so the underlying cause. Eg asthma or heart failure.
Types of Treatment For Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis usually disappears on its own within a few weeks, so sometimes it is not necessary for the treatment of bronchitis. While waiting for the disease is gone, you are advised to drink plenty of fluids and lots of rest. In some cases, symptoms of bronchitis can last longer.
Chronic bronchitis symptoms will usually last for at least three months. There is no cure for chronic bronchitis, but there are drugs that can be used to relieve the symptoms. You should avoid smoking or a neighborhood with a lot of smokers in the vicinity. This condition can worsen the symptoms if you suffer from chronic bronchitis.
Complications Possible Outcomes
Complications bronchitis most common is pneumonia. This complication occurs when infection spreads deeper into the lungs. Infection causes air pockets in the lungs to fill with fluid. Approximately 5% of cases of bronchitis lead to pneumonia.
People who are more prone to infection, such as young children and people who are in pain conditions, may need to be hospitalized. This was done as a precaution pneumonia.
symptoms of bronchitis
The main symptom of bronchitis is a dry cough. But there is also the possibility of a cough will issue mucus thick yellow-gray, although this is not always the case. Cough might persist for several weeks after other symptoms disappear. Continuous cough can make the chest and stomach muscles ached.
Other symptoms Appears
Other symptoms of bronchitis are:
These symptoms may not be severe and you may not need to see a doctor, but the bronchitis symptoms similar to pneumonia. It is important to notice changes in the symptoms experienced.
- Hard to breathe
- Sore throat
- Slight fever and chills
- Headache
- Nose and sinuses are clogged
- Body pain
Long Term or Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis symptoms usually worsen when the weather becomes colder or dried. Generally, patients with chronic bronchitis suffered two severe bronchitis attacks in a year. If you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you'll be out of breath during exercise or activity. Here are the symptoms that usually appear in chronic or acute bronchitis:
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a productive cough that lasts at least three months and will reappear for at least two consecutive years.
- Cough. ( read also : coughing-up-blood )
- Mucous or phlegm production grayish yellow, and can be mixed with blood.
- Fatigue. ( read also : distinguish-fatigue-with-pain )
- Hard to breathe.
- Chest feels uncomfortable.
The Right Time to go to the doctor
Immediately see a doctor, if you suffer from:
bronchitis Causes
- Cough severe or last more than three weeks.
- Fever for more than three days.
- Mucus you cough accompanied with blood.
- Breathe rapidly about 30 times per minute or experiencing chest tightness.
- Drowsiness or confusion.
- Never exposed bronchitis many times before.
- Suffer from heart disease or lung disease, such as asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure.
In general, bronchitis are caused by viruses and most of them are caused by viruses also cause colds and flu. The virus can be inhaled while suspended in the air. The virus is contained in millions of drops from the nose or mouth when we cough or sneeze. This virus can also survive on the surface of any object for one day. A person can become infected by touching contaminated objects, then put his hands near the mouth or nose. In addition to viruses, infectious bronchitis can also be caused by bacteria.
Triggers bronchitis the main thing is the habit of smoking. People who smoked or lived with active smokers more at risk of bronchitis.
Bronchitis can also be triggered by an unhealthy work environment. This condition is more commonly referred to as occupational bronchitis. The term is used when the occupational bronchitis patients experiencing bronchitis due to irritation in the workplace elements such as fiber cloth, ammonia, bits of dust and chlorine.
In addition, severe gastric acid diseases can also cause irritation of the throat and make you susceptible to bronchitis.
diagnosis bronchitis
If you suffer from bronchitis, you may not need to see a doctor. Unless you're experiencing severe symptoms. If you see a doctor, they usually can make the diagnosis by asking about symptoms, examine and listen to your chest cavity wearing a stethoscope.
Understanding Other Health Conditions
The doctor may need to check if there is a disease other lung infections. For example pneumonia that has similar symptoms like bronchitis. If the doctor suspects that you are suffering from pneumonia, the doctor will take a sample of mucous or slime to be checked. In addition the doctor will also conduct X-ray imaging of the chest area.
If the doctor suspects there is underlying disease is unknown and the cause of bronchitis, such as asthma and emphysema, lung function tests may be needed. You asked to take a deep breath and blow it on a device called a spirometer. This tool checks the performance of the lungs by measuring the amount of air in your lungs remove. Capacity reduction in the amount of air the lungs can mean their basic problems.
bronchitis treatment
Handling in Acute Bronchitis
Particularly in the case of acute bronchitis usually resolves itself without medical treatment. Here are some simple remedies that you can do yourself:
Antibiotics will not be given in cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses because it will not give any effect. Giving antibiotics are necessary if there is the possibility of bacterial infection. If there is an increase in the number of sputum and consistency, you are already infected with the bacteria. Prescription antibiotics are usually given for five days.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of water. Water can help thin mucus to be easily lifted out of the lungs. Adequate fluid intake is also important to prevent dehydration.
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand (factories, exhaust, chemicals). Smoke and fumes can aggravate bronchitis experienced.
- Especially for children, to give a mixture of honey with lemon can help relieve sore throats.
- Avoid taking cough medicine. Cough actually helps remove mucus or phlegm. You do not need to take cough medicine, except at night when coughing disturb your sleep.
Chronic Bronchitis Treatment
If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, lung, you automatically become more susceptible to infection. You may need an annual flu shot and a pneumonia vaccination. But if the doctor prohibits you for some reason, do not vaccinate it.
Chronic bronchitis is treated in the same way as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To thin the mucous or phlegm that is, a drug called mucolytic can be consumed. Another way is pulmonary rehabilitation. This is done to relieve the symptoms.
For chronic bronchitis, are advised to avoid drugs purchased from pharmacies free, except for the doctor who suggested it. Your doctor will prescribe medication if mucous or phlegm difficult to remove. For patients with chronic bronchitis, it is advisable to quit smoking so that his condition is not getting worse.
complications bronchitis
the occurrence of Pneumonia
About 5 % of people who suffer from bronchitis suffered secondary infection in one or both lungs . This infection primarily attacks the air sacs known as alveoli . This infection is also called as pneumonia . The risk of people suffering from pneumonia increases if :
Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- old age .
- Having a smoking habit .
- Other illnesses such as heart or kidney .
- Have a weakened immune system .
Mild pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics and home care . But for more severe cases treatment should be done in a hospital . Machine respirator or ventilator , to help breathing . While antibiotics can be administered directly into the vein through an IV .
- Rapid heartbeat .
- Difficulty in breathing . Short and rapid breathing despite being rested .
- Have a fever .
- Feeling unwell .
- Pain in the chest.
- Loss of appetite .
- Chills
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