Bronchitis

Posted on by Rachna Gupta
Bronchitis

BRONCHITIS-:

Bronchitis is an inflammation or swelling of the bronchial tube, the passage which connects the nose and mouth with the lungs. People suffering from bronchitis generally end up with a cough and discolored mucus and difficulty in breathing.

TYPES OF BRONCHITIS-:

  1. Acute bronchitis – It lasts for a specific period of time. In this type a person may have a cough with or without mucus,fever,mild headache,shortness of breath.
  1. Chronic bronchitis – This type of bronchitis has similar symptoms to acute bronchitis,but it is an underway illness. If a person has a cough for at least 3 months then it states that a person is having chronic bronchitis. 

CAUSES OF BRONCHITIS-:

If we talk about the causes of Acute bronchitis, then it is usually caused by the same viruses which cause flu and cold, and Chronic bronchitis can be caused by smoking cigarettes, air pollution, or toxic gases in the environment.

SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHITIS-:

  1. Cough 
  2. Production of mucus,which can be white,yellowish-grey or in green colour.
  3. Fatigue
  4. Shortness of breath
  5. Slight fever and chills 
  6. Chest discomfort

PREVENTION-:

  1. Avoid cigarette smoke – The smoke of a cigarette can increase the chances of getting chronic bronchitis.
  1. Get vaccinated – Acute bronchitis can be caused by a virus,influenza. So getting a yearly flu vaccine can help to protect you from the flu.  
  1. Wash your hands – To reduce the chances of getting viral infection,adopt a habit of washing your hands frequently and use alcohol based sanitizer.
  1. Wear a surgical mask – If you are having COPD then wear a face mask to avoid the dust or fumes at your workplace or when you are going among crowds.

HOME REMEDIES -:

  1. Ginger – It is having anti inflammatory effects against respiratory infection.
  1. Garlic – It is said to be having numerous healing properties.
  1. Drink fluids – Drink plenty of fluids like water, diluted fruit juices, herbal tea.

TREATMENT-:

  1. Using a cough suppressant, but only then when you are not bringing mucus anymore.
  1. Pain reliever.
  1. Sitting in a steam bathroom.
  2. Bronchodilators (inhaled medicine, which help to open persons airways.