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Bronchitis
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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining (mucous membrane) of inner walls
of the bronchi. Bronchi or the bronchial tubes are the
main air passages to the lungs. Return to top 
- Acute Bronchitis - This is an acute condition that clears
away as soon as the causative agent is removed
- Chronic Bronchitis - This is a long-term, ongoing, serious
condition characterized by production of excessive bronchial secretions
and
chronic cough.
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- Acute Bronchitis
- Respiratory viruses
- Secondhand cigarette smoke
- Household cleaners
- Smog
- Occupational exposure to fumes, chemicals (ammonia, strong acids, chlorine,
hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide or bromine), irritants
and dust (cotton, flax or hemp dust)
- Acid reflux
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Cigarette smoking
- Air pollution
- Respiratory tract infection
- Allergies
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- Feeling of tightness in the chest
- Chronic productive cough which may be
blood streaked
- Breathing difficulty which may be aggravated by exertion
or mild activity
- Frequent airway problems such as colds, ear infection, pneumonia or
asthma.
- Wheezing
- Chills
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swelling of ankles, feet and legs.
- Reddish plethora on the face (cheeks) and palms
- Vision problems
- Headaches
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Chronic bronchitis increases your risk of developing lung cancer and progressive
lung damage. Recurrent bronchitis caused by mycoplasma or chlamydia may trigger
asthma attacks. There is some scientific evidence that respiratory tract infections
caused by these organisms may trigger coronary artery disease, stroke or severe
hypertension.
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- Medications
- Antibiotics orally for infections caused by bacteria, mycoplasma or
chlamydia
- Bronchodilators like albuterol and ipratropium either orally or as
inhalers.
- Steroids either inhaled or taken orally
- Cough medicine should be used if coughing becomes unbearable and keeps
you awake at night.
- Postural Drainage
- Postural drainage of excessive bronchial secretions may facilitate
clearing of the airways.
- Home Care
- Physical exercise
- Breathing exercises.
- Patient education
programs
- Plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids and warm drinks
- Home oxygen for people with low oxygen
- Inhalation of humidified warm air can help loosen secretions and ease
coughing. It is best if mucus is allowed to be coughed up as it helps
to remove irritants from the lungs and clear the air passages.
- Avoid occupational exposure to irritant fumes, chemicals and dust by
wearing a mask while performing these tasks at work.
- Prevention
- Avoid cigarette smoking including exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Avoid exposure to cold, damp environment or exposure to abrupt changes
in temperature.
- An annual flu shot will provide protection against flu and its complications
e.g. bronchitis, pneumonia
- Support Groups
- The stress of illness can often be reduced
by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
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