Breathing is one of the important aspects of life, but if you’re having a hard time to breathe properly, you may need to see a doctor, you may have bronchitis.   Bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the bronchi which carry airflow from the trachea into the lungs. The thin mucous in the airways can be irritated and swollen.  Coughing is the main symptom of bronchitis.


Causes


Bronchitis can be cause by many different factors. It often occurs in flu and colds seasons. It may be from influenza  A and B popularly known as flu. In addition, it may come from a number of bacteria like mycoplasma pneumoniae which is also called as walking pneumonia.  Bronchitis can also occur when you inhale fumes or dust that could irritate your lungs. Chemical solvents and smoke including those of cigarette have been linked to acute bronchitis. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems, smokers, and anyone with long exposure to respiratory irritants are most likely to have bronchitis. There are many different causes of acute or chronic bronchitis.


Acute Bronchitis


Acute bronchitis is most often caused by viruses that infect the epithelium of the bronchi, resulting in inflammation and increased secretion of mucus. Acute bronchitis often develops during or after the course of having influenza. About 90% of acute bronchitis is caused by viruses like rhinoviruses and adenoviruses. Bacteria including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis are responsible for about 10% of the cases.


Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Chronic bronchitis is caused by recurring injury or irritation to the respiratory epithelium of the bronchi, resulting to inflammation, swelling and increased production of mucus. Airflow into and out of the lungs is partly blocked because of the swelling and extra mucus in the bronchi or due to reversible bronchospasm.


Most cases of chronic bronchitis are caused by cigarette smoking or other forms of tobacco. Chronic inhalation of irritating fumes or dust from occupational exposure or air pollution may also be the cause. About 5% of the population has chronic bronchitis, and it is two times more common in males than females.


Symptoms


Cough is a common symptom of bronchitis. It is our defense mechanism to expel infectious bacteria inside our bodies. The cough may be dried or with phlegm. If you have severe phlegm production, it may lead to pneumonia if left untreated. The cough may last for two weeks giving you abdominal and muscle pains. Wheezing may also occur because of the inflammation of airways. Other common symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, low-grade fever and the production of sputum.


Chronic Bronchitis is defined as having a productive cough that lasts for 3 months or more per year for at least 2 years. Other symptoms may include wheezing and shortness of breath, especially upon exertion. The cough is often worse soon in the morning, and the sputum produced may have a yellow or green color and may be spots of blood.


Diagnosis


Acute Bronchitis can be diagnosed with the help of the patient’s medical history and physical examination. The doctor may examine the patient’s upper airways to look for signs of ear, nose, or throat infection including redness of the ear drums, runny nose, and post nasal drip. Redness of the throat or swelling and pus on the tonsils can help distinguish common cold, tonsillitis, and acute bronchitis symptoms. The neck may be palpated or felt to check for swollen lymph nodes. Listening to the lungs may reveal decreased air entry and wheezing. A chest X-ray may be considered if there is a concern that a pneumonia or infection of lung tissue is present. Blood tests are usually not helpful.


Treatment


Acute bronchitis can be treated with decongestants and expectorants. A cough suppressant may be used if the cough interferes with work and sleep conditions. You must not use antibiotics in treating acute bronchitis because as most cases acute bronchitis are caused by viruses. Using antibiotics to persons without bacterial infections will develop resistant bacteria against antibiotic.


Chronic bronchitis is treated based on its symptoms. Inflammation and swelling of the respiratory epithelium may be reduced with inhaled corticosteroids. Wheezing and shortness of breath can be treated by reducing bronchospasm with bronchodilators Hypoxemia or too little oxygen in the blood can be treated with supplemental oxygen.


Prevention


Bronchitis may be prevented by avoiding smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. You also must have your annual flu vaccine to reduce the risk of having bronchitis. You must practice good hygiene to prevent getting viral infections. Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizers. If you are working with chemicals which can irritate your lungs, it is practical to wear a mask to reduce the risk of infection.


References


eMedicine Health, Bronchitis[Online] Available at: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bronchitis/page3_em.htm [Accessed 22 Feb 2010]

Mayo Clinic Prevention of Bronchitis[Online] Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bronchitis/DS00031/DSECTION=prevention [Accessed 22 Feb 2010]


Medicine.net, Bronchitis[Online] Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/bronchitis/page5.htm [Accessed 22 Feb 2010]

 



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