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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.
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