WHAT IS A BRONCHITIS INFECTION?
A Bronchitis infection occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and swollen due to an infection due to an infection. This can leave you with a nagging cough and mucus.
TYPES OF BRONCHITIS INFECTION
There are two types of bronchitis
- Chronic bronchitis is a very severe infection. It keeps coming back or it never goes away.
- Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is more common the symptoms tend to last a few weeks, but it doesn’t usually causes problems past that time. It is less intense than the chronic bronchitis.
CAUSES OF BRONCHITIS
In most of the time, bronchitis is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu. But sometimes bacteria bring it on.
In both cases, while your body’s fighting the germs, your bacteria tubes swell and make more mucus. This in turn makes your openings for air flow smaller making it harder to breathe.
Some Causes Of bronchitis are:
1 . You Smoke
People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at a higher risk of both acute and chronic bronchitis.
2 . Gastric Reflux
Frequent event of severe heartburn can irritate your throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.
3 . Asthma and Allergies
4 . A female Smoker
you may be at more risk than a male smoker.
5 . Weak immune system
6 . Breathing in Polluted Air
Inhaling polluted air and other things can bother your lungs such as dust or chemical fumes.
SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHITIS
For either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Slight fever and chills
- A cough that just bring mucus that is clear, white, yellow or green.
- Wheezing sound when you breathe
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort
- Cough
- Runny, stuffy nose
POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR BRONCHITIS
In most cases, bronchitis go away on their own. But you can take some steps to relieve it more quickly.
1 . Drinking lots of water
Taking in more fluids can help loosen chest congestion. It’s very important to stay hydrated during this period
2 . A humidifier or steam
To reduce dryness in the atmosphere and keep things moist.
3 . Take over the counter cough medicine
You might take medicine like guaifenesin during the day to loosen the mucus so it can be easier to cough up.
4 . Get plenty of rest:
Resting is a very important thing to do with any illness. Take proper rest during this time so you can heal faster.
PREVENTION OF BRONCHITIS
Now bronchitis is no fun (what illness is tho hmm!).There are ways you can lower your chances of getting acute bronchitis or a flare up of chronic bronchitis:
1 . Always wash your hands
2 . Get vaccinated:
you can get the flu vaccine since you can get bronchitis from the flu virus
3 . Avoid cigarette smoke
4 . Wear a surgical mask
when you’re around things that can bother your lungs such as paint fumes and being in a crowded place, it can cause bronchitis, wearing a mask can help you with avoid it.
Take Away
Although a single episode of bronchitis usually isn’t a cause for alarm, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Make sure you avoid doing things that can bring about bronchitis. If the symptoms of bronchitis persists for more than a week to two consult your doctor.
