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Bronchitis
Overview:
Inflammation and swelling of the bronchi. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. In chronic bronchitis, there is inflammation and swelling of the lining of the airways that lead to narrowing and obstruction of the airways. The inflammation stimulates production of mucous (sputum), which can cause further obstruction of the airways. Obstruction of the airways, especially with mucus, increases the likelihood of bacterial lung infections.
Signs and Symptoms:
A cough that brings up yellowish-gray or green mucus (sputum) is one of the main signs of bronchitis. Mucus itself isn't abnormal — your airways normally produce up to several tablespoons of mucus secretions every day. But these secretions usually don't accumulate, because they're continuously cleared into your throat and swallowed with your saliva.
Causes and Organs Affected:
The same viruses that cause colds often cause acute bronchitis. But you can also develop noninfectious bronchitis from exposure to your own or someone else's cigarette smoke and even from pollutants such as household cleaners and smog.
Bronchitis may also occur when acids from your stomach consistently back up into your food pipe, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And workers exposed to certain dusts or fumes may develop occupational bronchitis, an acute disease that generally clears up when exposure to the irritant stops.
Risk Factor:
Risk factors include Asthma,Enlarged tonsils,
Acid reflux
Sinusitis
COPD
Emphysema
Infants
Elderly
Any condition that weakens the immune system such as:
Diabetes
Organ transplant
Chemotherapy
AIDS
Air pollution
Alcohol abuse
Changes in temperature and humidity
Smoking and breathing secondary smoke
Treatment:
Antibiotics don't effectively treat most cases of bronchitis because the condition usually results from a viral infection. Instead, the following are the cornerstones of acute bronchitis treatment:
* Get plenty of rest.
* Drink extra liquids.
* Take a nonprescription cough medicine.
Other Information:
Besides the basic treatments of rest, liquids and over-the-counter cough medications, these suggestions can help make you more comfortable, speed recovery and prevent complications of acute bronchitis: Use a humidifier in your room, Use over-the-counter medications and Avoid exposure to irritants, such as tobacco smoke.