What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is caused due to inflammation of the bronchial tube. This causes the formation of mucus in them. Due to the mucus, the passage that carries air to the lungs become narrow, making it difficult to breathe properly. It is a very common disease in India, with more than 10 million cases per year. Bronchitis is an airborne disease making it easy to spread. In most of the cases, it can be treated at home and diagnosed as well, but in chronic cases, it needs proper treatment when diagnosed on time.
Types of bronchitis:
Generally, there are two types of bronchitis, one being the acute and another chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis creates a short term relationship with the person. It gets better within a few days and is self-treatable. But in the case of chronic bronchitis, it stays with the person for a long period, making it difficult for the person to lead a normal life. It is mainly caused by heavy smoking.
1-Acute bronchitis:
Acute bronchitis is an airborne disease which resembles the causes of cold, and the virus is the same as that of the virus, which causes cold. Acute bronchitis can be cured within a few days within the premises of the home. The bronchial tubes get filled with mucus, narrowing the path which helps in passing the air, making it harder to breathe.
2-Chronic bronchitis:
COPD or Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease is another type of bronchitis, which is chronic. The inflamed bronchial tubes get filled with lots of mucus, which makes it extremely difficult for the person to breathe. Cigarette smoking is the leading reason for chronic bronchitis. Inhaling polution, dust or fumes can be some of the other reasons for chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis creates a long term relationship with the person, and without proper care, it can pop up anytime.
Symptoms:
- Acute bronchitis :
The symptoms of acute bronchitis are very similar to that of a viral cold, and the virus causing acute bronchitis is similar to the virus that causes cold. The symptoms include cough with the discharge of mucus along with it, breath shortening, having a fever and unwanted chills, chest congestion.
- Chronic bronchitis:
The symptoms are similar to acute bronchitis, but it’s longevity tags it under the serious condition. The amount of mucus produced is way too much, which creates difficulty while breathing. The cough takes a lot of time to leave and persists for a longer period.
What causes bronchitis?
- Acute bronchitis:
Usually, a virus causes acute bronchitis. The virus affects the nose, sinus, and throat at first, and then it travels to the lining of the bronchial tube, ultimately helping in the formation of mucus in the tube.
- The virus can simply attack by breathing it unknowingly or through skin contact.
- Getting in contact with the person with bronchitis can be another cause of bronchitis.
- Inhaling smoke, dust, or fumes increases the risk of having bronchitis.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, the gas causing heartburn can be indirect of bronchitis.
- Chronic bronchitis :
A person with acute bronchitis should take proper care to get through the disease within a small period. Ignorance can convert acute bronchitis to chronic.
- Smoking lots of cigarettes can cause chronic bronchitis. The tobacco smoke helps in increasing mucus formation, which makes it difficult to cure on time.
- By getting exposed to unwanted smoke or chemical, fumes increase the risk of having chronic bronchitis.
Treatment:
With medicines like Entyvio can help boost up the treatment. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol takes the person one step ahead in treating the disease. In chronic cases, inhalers are prescribed, to get most from the medicine. When symptoms get out of hands, steroids are the only way out.
Oxygen therapy: The damage caused by chronic bronchitis makes it difficult to inhale oxygen. When medicine fails, the doctor may prescribe oxygen. Inhaling oxygen regularly will improve the condition.
Can bronchitis be prevented?
It is always said that prevention is better than cure. To prevent acute or chronic bronchitis, it is very important to lead a healthy life and take necessary preventive steps. Keeping cigarettes at bay is one of the best ways to treat bronchitis. Wearing a mask while going out will help.
To read more on topics like this, check out the health category.
