Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucus membrane in bronchial passages of the lungs is the main source of Bronchitis. This swelling narrows down, if not shuts off, the very small airways of the human lungs. This will then result to coughing spells with or without phlegm. This respiratory disease may also cause breathlessness in severe conditions. Treatments of this disease vary on the forms, where there are two – acute and chronic – and severity – asthmatic bronchitis and bronchial tubes linings inflammation.
Acute bronchitis is characterized with hacking cough, coupled with and possible upper respiratory infection. This infection may be bacterial or viral. After several days, everything should be back to their healthy condition. Smokers though will have harder time to recover because the cilia that works to brush away all excess mucus, debris, and irritants off the airways are probably damaged. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a very serious, long-term, and recurring condition. It usually requires the help of medical treatment and advice of medical expert.
Complications of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is among the common respiratory ailments that plaque both healthy and unhealthy people around the world. Healthy people can immediately recover from the condition in few days but those who are not, like smokers, will have a longer time recovering to it – worst may develop complications.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Simply dubbed as COPD, this is a complication caused by bronchitis to people who have been smoking for a long time. It is a permanent condition, characterized by long-term inflammation of the lining of the mucus membrane. This will damage the cilia of the respiratory system’s airways, which means the lungs are now highly susceptible to any infection – may it be viral or bacterial in origin. Spirometry or breathing test can diagnose this condition.
- Heart problems. People who suffer from chronic bronchitis can actually lose breath during persistent coughing. If the condition continues and bring chest pains, it is important to seek the advice of a medical practitioner. Doing so will definitely prevent more serious health conditions.
- Lung diseases. Chronic bronchitis, when neglected, can actually lead to more serious diseases associated with the lungs. At the first sign of longer than the usual cough with fever and chest pains, seek the expert advice of your doctor.
- Lung infections. While bronchitis is already an infection, more times than not, it is viral in origin. If not provided with the appropriate treatment and care, it can actually result to secondary infections of the lungs.
Prevention of Bronchitis
Reports suggest that chronic bronchitis is higher in occurrence with people who are expose on a continual basis to fumes and dust. These include all coal miners, metal molders, grain handlers, traffic enforcers, and a lot more. To prevent, it is best to get protection against these air pollutants – face and nose masks, nose clips, and all other appropriate wearable protective masks.
If there is no need to be exposed on any of these pollutants, it would be best to steer clear from dust and fumes.