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Category: Healthy Body - Bronchitis
Written by Patty Avey - Chief Editor - SmartLivingNews.com
ACUTE AND CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
"I had suffered from bronchitis since I was a young lad. I'm now 49
years of age. I have been taking high quality nutritionals but
continue to have bronchitis." - Brian Cacciniga
According to the McKinley Health Center of the University of Illinois,
"Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi
which are the air passages that extend from the windpipe into the
lungs. The inflammation may be caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or
the inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust. When the cells of the
bronchial-lining tissue are irritated beyond a certain point, the tiny
hairs (cilia) within them, which normally trap and eliminate
pollutants, stop functioning. Consequently, the air passages become
clogged by debris and irritation increases. In response, a heavy
secretion of mucus develops, which causes the characteristic cough of
bronchitis."
There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis
normally follows a viral respiratory infection, a severe cold or the
flu. The infection produces bronchial inflammation which precipitates
in bronchitis accompanied by a cough, wheezing, fever and soreness in
the chest. This form of bronchitis will usually last about 10 days, is
contagious and can be spread by direct or indirect contact. If you are
having recurring incidents of acute bronchitis, check your
environment. A cold and damp environment accompanied by air pollution
or smoke can make you more susceptible to acute bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis is a long term condition which occurs when the
bronchial tubes are irritated over a long period of time producing an
excessive amount of mucus causing the lining of the bronchial tubes to
become thickened. A chronic cough follows which will usually last
three or more months returning each year. Chronic bronchitis may be
caused by repeated acute bronchitis infections but most commonly is
caused by cigarette smoking. Another factor contributing to chronic
bronchitis is the inhalation of air contaminated with pollutants in
the environment. In the year 2000, over 11 million Americans were
diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and 1,200 Americans died as a result
of chronic bronchitis in that same year.
There are certain risk factors inherent to bronchitis. The greatest
risk factor for both acute and chronic bronchitis is the inhalation of
tobacco smoke. If you smoke or live with someone who does, your
chances of contracting bronchitis greatly increase. Low resistance to
illness is another risk factor which may result from another acute
illness such as a cold or from a chronic condition which affects your
immune system. Being exposed to certain lung irritants on the job such
as cotton, flax or hemp dust, chemical fumes from ammonia, strong
acids, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide or bromine increase
the risk of bronchitis.
Watch for a cough that brings up yellowish-gray or green mucus which
is a sign of the bronchial tubes being inflamed or infected.
Breathlessness
Wheezing
Chills
Overall discomfort
Slight fever
Soreness and a feeling of tightness or burning in the chest
HEALTHY TIPS FOR ACUTE BRONCHITIS:
Get plenty of rest to avoid fatigue
Keep your immune system built up
Stay indoors when the weather is very cold and windy
Drink an abundance of fluids to keep the chest mucus liquefied
Do not use cough suppressants because you want to expel the mucus with
an expectorant
Avoid air pollutants, especially smoke.
Use a vaporizer – warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens
mucus in your airways
Consult your family doctor if your mucus becomes greenish-yellow and
thick.
Consult your family doctor if your fever rises or your chest pain
intensifies.
HEALTHY TIPS FOR CHRONIC BRONCHITIS:
If you suspect chronic bronchitis, get immediate attention from a
doctor.
Do not smoke
Follow a nutritious, well balanced diet.
Get regular exercise daily.
Avoid being exposed to colds and influenza.
Use a vaporizer – warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens
mucus in your airways.
Avoid irritants to your respiratory system such as smoke, dust and
other air pollutants.
Drink an abundance of fluids.
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/dis-cond/cold/bronchit.html
http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungchronic.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objeactid=FFA2CF6E-5489-4E06-A01B9DFB1B4