General Health

Chronic bronchitis is the irritation and inflammation of the airways to the lungs that leads to the formation of thick mucus in these airways called the bronchial tubes. It causes breathing difficulties because Recurrent infections cause accumulation of mucus, which blocks the airways.

The symptons of bronchitis could be persistent cough with wheezing, fever, chest pain, severe coughing, and often the secretion of sputum (mucous material coughed up from the respiratory tract), etc. Chronic bronchitis can affect people of all ages, but it is commonly found in women and those who are above the age of 45.

For the treatment, doctors usually suggest antibiotic. If specific bacteria are suspected, one round of antibiotics may be worthwhile, but only when the cough has lasted for more than 10 days. But for chronic bronchitis, the treatments could be not just oral medications, but also bronchodilators, oxygen supplementation and lifestyle changes and in some rare cases, surgery is also suggested, depends on age, the severity of the disease, overall health condition of the patient, etc. The treatment aimed to relieve the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Bronchodilator medications are prescribed to dilate the air passages of the lungs and to reduce the inflammation. These medications can be in the form of aerosol sprays or oral drugs. In some cases, steroids are used to reduce the severity of symptoms. Used as aerosol sprays for inhalation, these medicines may cause side-effects like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

But, since chronic bronchitis is associated with difficulty in breathing and some patients may require supplemental oxygen, studies show that regular physical activity is very much beneficial. It can also be prevented by avoiding allergens, like dust, smoke etc. Prevent viral infections by maintaining personal hygiene and by staying away from people with cold and flu.

Credit : Encarta, Image : e-radiography.net

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