Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi causing a persistent cough and phlegm. Smoking and viral/bacterial infections are common causes. Chronic bronchitis can lead to long-term health problems, but quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can help. Acute bronchitis usually resolves without treatment, and over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms.
Bronchitis is an irritation and inflammation of the bronchi characterized by a persistent cough and excessive phlegm. The most common causes of bronchitis are smoking and viral and bacterial infections, but there are many others, including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and environmental toxins. Acute bronchitis lasts for a few days and doesn’t cause long-term health problems. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed in cases that last more than three months for two consecutive years or more than six months for one year. To properly treat this disease, you need to know its cause.
Tobacco smoke is one of the most common causes of bronchitis. Research has shown that over 90% of chronic bronchitis cases are caused by exposure to tobacco smoke. Chronic bronchitis causes long-term health problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. Long-term health problems are more serious the longer a person lives with chronic bronchitis.
The best treatment for chronic bronchitis is usually simply for the patient to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. This won’t reverse bronchial damage that has already occurred, but it will prevent further damage and reduce the risk of long-term problems. In addition to lifestyle changes, a doctor might prescribe medications that reduce inflammation and expand the airways.
Several viruses – rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza – are the other common causes of bronchitis. It could also be caused by bacteria such as mycoplasma, pneumococcus, and haemophilius. Mycoplasma is the bacterium that causes walking pneumonia. Less common causes of bronchitis include inhaling chemicals or environmental toxins.
Unlike chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis has no long-term effects. In most cases, the disease resolves without treatment, usually within two weeks. In some cases, doctors might prescribe steroid inhalers and medications to speed recovery.
Regardless of what causes bronchitis, over-the-counter medications may help relieve symptoms but won’t shorten the life of the disease. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking an over-the-counter medicine containing guaifenesen will help loosen and clear the phlegm, and the medicine containing dextromethorphan will help suppress a cough. Chest pain caused by excessive coughing may be relieved by using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Natural remedies like vaporizers and cool mist humidifiers may also provide some relief. Herbal teas are also known to relieve symptoms caused by bronchitis.
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