Bronchitis Symptoms & Treatment

Bronchitis is an irritation of the air passages between the lungs and nose a, including the windpipe, or trachea, and the bigger air tubes called bronchi that carry air into the lungs from the trachea. When bronchitis is gentle and brief in duration, it is called acute. Chronic bronchitis is frequent, has a prolonged course, and is regularly a sign of a serious primary lung disease.

Acute bronchitis can be caused by exposure to a cold or the flu, infection, or irritants. Although the symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis are alike, their causes and treatments are dissimilar. Acute bronchitis is most widespread in winter. It generally follows an upper respiratory infection, and may be accompanied by a minor bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis frequently resolves within 2 weeks, although the cough may continue longer.

Chronic bronchitis is one of a cluster of diseases that fall under the name chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other diseases in this category consist of emphysema and chronic asthmatic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis shows symptoms alike to acute bronchitis, but it recurs and is present for at least 3 months a year.

Causes and symptoms
Acute bronchitis typically begins with the symptoms of a cold, for instance sneezing, a runny nose, and dry cough. Though, the cough shortly becomes deep and painful. These symptoms may be come with a fever.

In basic acute bronchitis, the fever and most other symptoms, except the cough, disappear after 3 to 5 days. Coughing may continue for some weeks. Acute bronchitis is frequently complicated by a bacterial infection, in which case the fever and a general feeling of sickness persist.

Persistent bronchitis is caused by inhaling respiratory tract irritants. The most general cause, however, is the irritation of cigarette smoke. A mild cough is typically the initial visible sign of chronic bronchitis. Coughing brings up wheezing, and phlegm and shortness of breath may accompany the cough.

Treatment
The treatment of chronic bronchitis is complex and depends on the phase of chronic bronchitis and whether other physical condition problems are present. Way of life changes, for instance quit smoking is an important first step. Controlled work out performed on a regular basis is also important.

There are a large number of herbal and botanical medicines that can be used to treat bronchitis. Examples from aromatherapy contain essential oils of any of the following: benzoin, Styrax benzoin; camphor, Cinnamomum camphora; eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus; lavender, Lavandula officinalis; pine, Pinus sylvestris; thyme, Thymus vulgaris; or sandalwood, Santalum album.
Herbalists recommend taking a tea, or syrup of any of the following: coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara ; mullein, Verbascum thapsus; aniseed, Pimpinella anisum; hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis; garlic, Allium sativum; and elecampane, Inula helenium

Acupuncture can be helpful in avoiding chronic bronchitis attacks and in resolving colds that lead to severe attacks.

Hydrotherapy is also recommended in bronchitis to release mucus, recover breathing, and improve the immune response to the condition.

Hot and spicy foods can help open the air passages. These foods include onions, garlic, chili peppers, and horseradish.

When no minor infection is present, acute bronchitis is treated in the similar way as the common cold.
Home care includes drinking a lot of water, resting, not smoking, and taking acetaminophen for pain and fever. Cough syrups are suggested to lessen coughing, soothe irritation, and increase expectoration of mucus.

The infection may be treated with an antibiotic if a secondary bacterial infection is present. Patients need to consume the entire amount of antibiotic prescribed.

Drug treatment uses bronchodilators to relax the muscles of the bronchial tubes and allow increased airflow. Anti-inflammatory medications are added to decrease swelling of the airway tissue. Medications are given to reduce the quantity of mucus as well. While the disease progresses, the patient may require supplemental oxygen.

Supplementation with vitamins C, A, and E, bioflavonoids and zinc may also be useful in preventing reappearance and secondary infections.

The best way to prevent bronchitis is to quit smoking. Smokers are 10 times more likely to die of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than non-smokers. Smokers who stop show progress in lung function. Other preventative ways include avoiding environmental and chemical irritants, for instance air pollution, and maintaining good overall physical condition.