What is Bronchitis?

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Most of the people don't have the idea of what is bronchitis and its symptoms and thus, end up ignoring the signs and make it worst. When there is a swelling in the windpipe passage connecting to the lung, then the problem taking place is called bronchitis. It starts when there is irritation in the bronchial tubes and then mucus is formed that blocks the air passage, creating breathing problem.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a swelling of the lining in the bronchial tubes which are airways connecting the windpipe to the lungs. The respiratory system is covered by mucus when the persons contract bronchitis; it becomes difficult for the air to pass through in and out of the lungs while breathing. You must know what is bronchitis and its causes, so that you can immediately take action soon after you find any signs of this problem.

Causes

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Breathing in form of irritating chemicals
  • Smoking
  • Young babies usually get bronchitis where the smaller airways are involved and causes are same as that of asthma.
  • When the lining of the cells of bronchi get irritated, the tiny hairs trapping and removing outside things stop working. Material formation related with irritation increases and makes the passage clogged.

It has been noticed that both adults and childrens get bronchitis whose symptoms are same for both.

Symptoms

One of the common symptoms of bronchitis can be cough which is yellowish gray in color or mucus in green color. Other symptoms can be:

  • Yellow or green phlegm
  • Coughing and/or coughing up sputum with chest pain
  • Increased cough
  • Shortness of breath

People Prone to Bronchitis: It is not necessary that everybody gets such type of breathing problem. However, there are some common groups of people who are more prone to this disease with severe symptoms.

  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Smokers
  • The elderly and infants
  • People with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • People who are exposed to a lot of secondhand smoke

People who get exposed to the chemical fumes from ammonia during work or other chemicals like strong acids, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, bromine or hydrogen sulfide.

Types: There are two types of bronchitis which are acute or chronic.

Acute bronchitis comes all of a sudden and can cause severe signs; however, it lasts for a very short time. Whereas chronic bronchitis is mild and severe and can last for many months or even years.

  • Acute bronchitis is usually caused due to viral infection and can start developing cold and sore throat. It produces for a short time, but with harmful effects.
  • If a person has too much phlegm in the airways leading to constant cough, then it is chronic bronchitis. A person is said to have such problem when cough and sputum are present for many days or months or even for year.

Effects of Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis lasts for a longer time where mucus is released through cough. The person may find it difficult to breathe; however, this difficulty varies as per the individual�s immune system. Patients may get some lung infections. This disease is contagious whose virus can get transferred while sneezing.

Prevention and Treatment

  • You can definitely prevent the occurrence of this disease by following healthy daily routine. Cleanliness is a must. Virus is present everywhere. Make sure you clean your hands before meals and once you use the toilets. Avoid spreading infection in air by coughing. Utilize the hand towel if you face such a problem.
  • Bronchodilators help to open the airways. The bronchodilators are classified as beta-agonists that relax the muscles and anticholinergics that block the chemicals affecting the airways. When the two drugs combine, they can be more effective than using either of it.
  • Expectorants help to stop the cough that comes with chronic bronchitis. It makes the phlegm more liquid and easier to get out of the lungs.
  • It is advisable to have a hot shower bath, draping the towel over your head and breathing the steam of hot water. This can give moisture that airways need for being clear.

In case if you find your signs getting worse, then you must consult your doctor and take preventive measures to lessen the symptoms. Knowing what is bronchitis and treating it accordingly can definitely ease your problem and relive you from breathing problems.