Bronchitis is an ailment of the respiratory system, and is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, the airway that connect the trachea (windpipe) to the alveoli. Bronchitis is not really a mortal ailment, but it certainly produces a lot of pain and suffering on the part of the afflicted person and may cause absenteeism from work, school or leisure activities.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bronchitis include coughs that expel phlegm and mucus, headaches, ill feelings, chills, mid fever, shortness of breath, soreness, a difficulty of breathing, tightness of the chest, chest pains and wheezing.
Overview
The bronchial tubes connect the trachea to alveoli. The alveoli’s main job is to pass the oxygen from the air we breathe to the bloodstream, as well as serve as a drop-off point for carbon dioxide from the bloodstream to be expelled by exhaling. Since the alveoli are important to the body and somewhat sensitive, evolution has equipped our bronchitis to do its best to protect the alveoli from debris and microorganisms.
Whenever we breathe, hairs inside the nostrils trap dust, pollen and airborne particles. Those that get through are then trapped by mucus. Sometimes, germs and other microorganisms can still get through and may cause illnesses.
What Type of Bronchitis Do I Have?
There are two types of bronchitis according to the length of time of the persistence of the illness: acute and chronic.
Bronchitis may be acute or short-term. Its symptoms can be severe, but it will usually subside after a short period of time. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus that can affect the bronchial track, though it may also be caused by bacteria.
Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, may last for a few years, and is usually caused by cigarette smoking and/or constant exposure to irritants and pollutants, such as living in an area with smog. Chronic bronchitis may be severe or it may be mild, but the bronchial tubes continue to be inflamed for an extended period of time. Also, people with chronic bronchitis become more susceptible to other respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. A person with chronic bronchitis will also find it harder to recover from other illnesses such as colds. If left untreated, breathing may become extremely difficult.
Causes of Bronchitis
There are three general causes of bronchitis. The first, and most common cause of acute bronchitis, is a viral attack on the bronchial tube. The second is a bacterial infestation of the bronchial tube. Lastly, constant exposure to irritants and pollutants will cause chronic bronchitis.
Treatment
Treating a case of bronchitis that is caused by a virus will usually involve letting the afflicted person get plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids. Also, the doctor may also prescribe over-the-counter drugs to quell severe coughing and chest pains.
If the case of bronchitis is caused by bacteria, the doctor may advise you to do all the pointers stated above, as well as take in antibiotics to help you heal quicker.
If the bronchitis involved is chronic, treatment will involve getting plenty of rest, taking lots of fluids, as well as avoiding exposure to whatever is causing your bronchial tubes to get irritated. If you are a smoker, it would simply mean quitting. If you are not a smoker and you have chronic bronchitis, try your best to avoid second-hand smoke.
