Treatment Of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is actually a respiratory disease characterized by the mucous membrane lying within the bronchial passage of the lung becoming inflamed. The membrane becomes irritated, swells and turns thicker, thus narrowing or completely shutting off tiny airways within the lungs which results in cough spells. Accompanying symptoms are breathlessness and thick phlegm. There are two forms of this disease. Acute bronchitis lasts fewer than 6 weeks while chronic bronchitis reoccurs frequently for greater than two years.
Diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis
The physical examination of the patient often reveals wheezing, prolonged expiration and a rough rattling sound (rhonchi). Persistent wet or dry cough is often taken as a sign of bronchitis by a doctor. Bronchitis is confirmed by a chest x-ray, sputum sample test which shows inflamed white blood cells and a culture revealing pathogenic microorganisms. The patient's blood test will also reveal inflammation.
Most cases of acute bronchitis are known to have been caused by viral infection. These are "self limiting" and get resolved in natural course within a couple of weeks. Hardly about 5 to 10% cases result from bacterial infection. Antibiotics must not be used to treat acute bronchitis, unless the sputum sample shows great quantities of bacteria under microscopic examination. Antibiotic treatment of non-bacterial illnesses will lead to encouragement of the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria thus increasing mortality and morbidity.
Relieve your cough through adequate fluid intake, cough drops and expectorants. Avoid alcohol as well as caffeine which will make you lose additional fluid from your body. Smokers must quit smoking absolutely. Even a single cigarette puff may result in temporary paralysis of cilia thus increasing your chances of being afflicted with chronic bronchitis. Combination of antihistamines and expectorants should be avoided as these may encourage mucous production. Humidifier or a cool mist vaporizer may reduce bronchial irritation.
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a productive cough, breathlessness and wheezing. It may also be accompanied by fever, chest pains and fatigue. Chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, sputum sample test, and blood test may be ordered to confirm the disease and start with treatment.
If the bronchitis does not resolve in natural course within a few weeks and in case of chronic bronchitis revealing extreme symptoms, antibiotics may be given. These may include doxycycline or amoxicillin. Certain bronchodilators like Ipratropium may also be helpful in dealing with chronic bronchitis. Sometimes corticosteroids are also prescribed to control acute exacerbations related to chronic bronchitis. Quitting smoking completely should be the primary step taken towards the path of treatment and recovery of chronic bronchitis. This will prevent further damage of the cilia and the lungs will thus be less vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections. Certain home remedies like aromatherapy using eucalyptus oil and taking bath with Epsom salt in warm water may also help with relieving the symptoms associated with bronchitis.
Remember chronic bronchitis increases your risk for getting afflicted with cardiovascular ailments and even serious lung infections and diseases. Thus the disease should be dealt with seriously and all health rules should be strictly adhered to.