Bronchitis

Our subject today is about your lungs and the respiratory functions that you may had these signs once upon a time so listen carefully.
What is bronchitis ?

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial passages ( tubes ), which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored (green-red or yellow). It may be either acute or chronic bronchitis.

Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.

Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although you may continue to cough for weeks. However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

*Symptoms. 

If it was acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include with little difference in severity:

• Cough
• Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color , it may be streaked with blood.
• Fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Slight fever and chills.
• Chest discomfort.

If you have acute bronchitis, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks after the inflammation resolves. Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring for at least two consecutive years.

If you have chronic bronchitis, you're likely to have periods when your signs and symptoms worsen. At those times, you may have acute bronchitis on top of your chronic bronchitis.

When to get worry about it ?

See your doctor if your cough:

• Lasts more than three weeks.
• Prevents you from sleeping.
• Is accompanied by fever higher than 100.4 F (38°c).
• Produces discolored mucus.
• Produces blood.
• Is associated with wheezing or shortness of breath.

*Main causes are.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, as same as viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so diffreent types of antibiotics aren't useful in most cases of bronchitis.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking cigarettes, air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.

Complications

Although a single attack of bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Repeated bouts of bronchitis may indicate that you're developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Diagnosis

During the first few days of illness, it can be difficult to distinguish the signs and symptoms of bronchitis from those of a common cold. During the physical exam, your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen closely to your lungs as you breathe.

In some cases, your doctor may tell you to make some investigations like:

1- Chest X-ray.

2- Sputum tests.

3- Pulmonary function test.

Treatment

In some circumstances, your doctor may prescribe medications, including:

• Antibiotics. Bronchitis usually results from a viral infection, so antibiotics aren't effective. However, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic if he or she suspects that you have a bacterial infection.
• Cough medicine. It's best not to suppress a cough that brings up mucus, because coughing helps remove irritants from your lungs and air passages. If your cough keeps you from sleeping, you might try cough suppressants at bedtime.
• Other medications. If you have allergies, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may recommend an inhaler and other medications to reduce inflammation and open narrowed passages in your lungs.

That's all for now, keep save and take care of your health.