Viral bronchitis is caused by a viral infection and can lead to excessive mucus production, coughing, and congestion. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious conditions. Symptoms include fever, body aches, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. Prescription treatments include antibiotics and antiviral drugs, while over-the-counter and home treatments can also bring relief. Herbal remedies such as ginseng, echinacea, and eucalyptus are believed to help relieve symptoms.
Viral bronchitis is a type of bronchitis that is the result of a viral infection, such as the flu. Bronchitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the membranes of the bronchial passages. The inflammation causes excessive mucus production which can sometimes lead to severe coughing and congestion. Viral bronchitis is considered to be more common than other types of bronchitis, which are usually caused by environmental irritants.
The duration of viral bronchitis can depend on many factors, such as the patient’s overall health and how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated. In some cases, people with bronchitis don’t seek medical help right away, because they may believe they are suffering from the common cold. Delaying treatment for any type of bronchitis can lead to other, more serious conditions such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia.
Symptoms of viral bronchitis include low-grade fever, body aches and shortness of breath. Additionally, patients with this condition often complain of feeling tired and may suffer from loss of appetite. Bronchitis that results from a viral infection is usually accompanied by a characteristic type of dry, unproductive cough, much like that experienced by smokers. Most symptoms of viral bronchitis usually disappear soon after treatment is started, but the cough can persist for many weeks.
When doctors attempt to diagnose bronchitis, it’s considered important that they be able to analyze the phlegm that has been discharged from the lungs. If the phlegm is white or light yellow, it is usually a sign that bronchitis is the result of a viral infection. Dark yellow to green phlegm generally means that the cause of bronchitis is likely a bacterial infection.
Prescription treatments for viral bronchitis often include antibiotics and antiviral drugs. While antibiotics are not considered to be that helpful for viral infections, there is always a risk that other types of lung infections may be present. Bronchodilators are sometimes used for patients who need immediate relief. In some cases, most types of bronchitis can respond to corticosteroids, which are usually given by inhalation.
Over-the-counter and home treatments for viral bronchitis can sometimes bring some relief. Another treatment involves the use of humidifiers in the home, as they tend to moisturize the airways and can promote a productive cough. Some herbal remedies that are believed to help relieve symptoms of viral bronchitis include ginseng, echinacea and eucalyptus. Ginseng is said to open up congested airways and echinacea is believed to strengthen the immune system. Eucalyptus is typically boiled in water and then inhaled to help loosen congestion.
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