Bronchitis can be referred as a condition where the inflammation occurs in the lining of the bronchial tubes. These bronchial tubes carry air to and from the lungs. People who suffer from bronchitis often get shortness of breath, cough up thickened mucus.
Types of Bronchitis:
• Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is a common type of bronchitis and does not cause any severe problem. Acute Bronchitis lasts for only a few weeks and does not cause any problem in future.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis in a severe type of condition in which it occurs for a long time or keeps coming back. Chronic bronchitis also causes COPA.
Common symptoms of bronchitis:
- A dry cough
- Sinus congestion
- Shortness of breath
- A productive cough with think or discolored mucus
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Chills
- Chest Congestion
- Chest discomfort
Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis:
- A runny nose
- A productive cough
- A sore throat
- Low-grade fever
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis has similar symptoms as acute bronchitis with some additional features:
- Chest tightness
- Swelling in feet, ankles
- Persistent tiredness
There are also some less common symptoms of bronchitis:
- Coughing up blood
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of physical endurance
- Bad breath
Causes of Bronchitis:
Mostly bronchitis causes with a virus which gives you flu or cold. Some bacteria may also cause bronchitis. Due to these viruses and bacteria, the bronchial tubes get swell and release more mucus. Due to this, the space for breathing gets small which makes it difficult to breathe.
Risk Factors for bronchitis:
• Weak immune system: People with a weak immune system and get bronchitis with some acute illness like cold or flu. It may also occur from another chronic condition which compromises with the immune system.
• Cigarette smoke: Both active and passive smokers have a high risk of getting acute and chronic bronchitis.
• Gastric reflux: Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can cause irritation in the throat which makes a person more prone to developing bronchitis.
• Exposure to irritants: The risk of getting bronchitis increases if a person works around irritants like the textile industry, paint industry or grains factory.
Diagnosis
Initial symptoms of bronchitis are difficult to distinguish because these symptoms are common as cold or flu. The doctor may suggest some tests:
• Sputum tests: Mucus which coughs up from the lungs is known as Sputum. This test helps to check if the illness can be treated by antibiotics. This test can also take for signs of allergies.
• Chest X-ray: Chest X-ray is used to check whether a person is suffering from pneumonia or some other conditions which cause a cough. Chest X-ray is important if a person is a smoker.
• Pulmonary function test: During this test, the person has to blow into a device which is known as spirometer which measures how much air the lungs can hold.
Treatments:
• Cough Medications: Cough medication is helpful for those people who are facing issues in sleep due to a cough.
• Other Medications: People who are suffering from COPD, allergies or asthma, the doctor may recommend some inhaler or medications for reducing the inflammations.
• Homeopathic remedies: Homeopathic remedies can be very helpful for reducing inflammation in bronchitis. Homeopathic medicines are the most promising medication in the case for treating bronchitis. These remedies are fully safe, reliable and do not have any kind of harmful side-effects. For more information about homeopathic medications, contact Naturopathic Doctor NJ. Some homeopathic remedies for treating bronchitis are:
- Arsenic Album
- Bryonia
- Pulsatilla
- Antim Tart
- Hepar Sulphur
Preventive measures for bronchitis:
- Avoid cigarette smoke as an active smoker or a passive smoker
- Vaccination
- Wash your hands properly
- Wear a surgical mask if you are exposed to fumes or irritants.
