Bronchitis causes, prevention, and treatments

Bronchitis is defined as the inflammation and damage of the bronchi, with or without infection. The bronchi (or bronchial tubes) connect the trachea with the lungs. Bronchitis can occur in both sexes although it is mainly suffered by males.

The two major types of bronchitis are Acute and Chronic. Acute bronchitis occurs when the bronchi become infected. This infection leads to swelling in the bronchial tubes and the tubes narrow, causing difficulty with breathing. Mucus is also formed, which can collect in the tubes and inhibit free breathing. As more swelling occurs breathing becomes more and more difficult. This form of bronchitis is spread in much the same way as the common cold. Inhaling air in which bacteria is present or making physical contact with items or individuals where bacteria is present can spread this form of bronchitis.

Doctors may prescribe medications for asthma to clear swollen and clogged bronchial tubes. Often this medication is administered through inhalers or bronchodilators. Acute bronchial coughing can last from a few days to months and is sometimes confused with asthma. Medical testing can distinguish between these two ailments. Corticosteroid drugs may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Pneumonia and bronchitis often have similar symptoms. Through x-rays, physicians can determine which ailment is present and what treatment procedure is to be followed.

General symptoms for bronchitis include:

---frequent coughing or prolonged cough spasms

---shortness of breath

---extreme fatigue

---thick sputum (mucus) that is hard to cough-up

---fever

---deep chest pain when coughing

For those suffering from chronic bronchitis, removal of the irritant is key. Exposure to strong chemicals, cigarette smoke and other air pollutants will reduce symptoms, although extensive damage may have already occrured if the exposure has been long-term.

Steps to control bronchitis attacks include:

---reducing irritant exposure; avoid smoke and smokers; do not enter areas of high pollution: wear protective gear when working near potentially dangerous substances

---use a humidifier to loosen mucus secretions and make breathing easier

---avoid directly inhaling cold air; try to protect the face and mouth when walking during cold weather since cold air may aggravate symptoms of bronchitis

---limit the use of cough suppressants since mucus should be coughed up to help unblock bronchi

---reduce intake of foods such as sugar, white flour, dairy and others that may be mucus-producing

---speak to a physician concerning natural or herbal remedies such as echinacea and vitamins A and C to help reduce the severity of symptoms

Although this occurs less often and in a small number of cases, bronchitis may also be caused by the spillage of excess stomach acid, which drips into the lungs, usually during sleep. A signal to this type of bronchitis can be an odd, unusual taste in the mouth upon awaking, along with the other symptoms. Medicines designed to reduce stomach acid may also eliminate a cough caused in this manner. However, a physician should always be consulted before adding any new medications.

If any of the following occur, it can be a signal to a serious medical situation. Seek medical attention immediately:

---symptoms last longer than a week

---mucus has a yellow, green rust color or is blood-streaked

---if deep chest pain occurs when coughing

---high fever

---breathing is labored only when lying down

---foot swelling along with other symptoms

It cannot be overly stressed that those who suffer from any form of bronchitis should make every effort to refrain from the smoking of cigarettes or any other tobacco products and to limit exposure to those who do so.