Bronchitis

It is the inflammation( swollen and sore) of the bronchi(the main airway/tubes of the lungs which carries air to and fro the lungs). It can be either acute or chronic.

Acute bronchitis( usually caused by a virus or bacteria following a cold or flu) improves within 7-10days without a lasting effect whiles Chronic Bronchitis is usually associated with smoking or long-term exposure to irritants with sufferers mostly also suffering from COPD( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Signs and Symptoms

• cough
• sore throat
• blocked or runny nose
• Headaches
• coughing up mucus which is usually yellowish-grey, greenish or white.
• shortness of breath with chest discomfort
• wheezing
• Fatigue
• breathlessness when doing energetic activities
• Fever and or chills

Risks factors

• People who smoke cigarette
• People who are exposed to irritants(such as Chlorine, strong acids, ammonia, grain dust, textiles) at work
• People who just had another acute illness such as cold
• People suffering from GERD-gastric oesophagal reflux disease

Causes

Bronchitis is caused by either a virus( the most common type) or bacteria. The virus that causes common cold is the same virus that causes bronchitis.

Prevention

Follow these tips to reduce the risk of bronchitis:

• avoid cigarette smoking
• get a yearly flu vaccine
• wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
• wear a face mask at work if you are exposed to dust or fumes at your workplace

Treatment

Acute Bronchitis usually takes few days (7-10days) to clear and are usually treated at home with plenty of fluids and rest.

For chronic Bronchitis, the following are recommended:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids(avoids alcohol, however)
• maintain a healthy diet
• avoid irritants such as smoke, paint and strong fumes
• warm honey and lemon drink is helpful with pain associated with cough
• get enough rest
• maintain a healthy weight
• treat cold-like symptoms such as fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen
• exercise moderately
• Try cough suppressant at bedtime if  the cough prevents you from sleep
• antibiotics are not ideal as they are mostly caused by viruses.

Complication

• Pneumonia.
• COPD-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease