by D. P. Noe

Created on: January 17, 2009

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages between the nose and the lungs. This includes the trachea(windpipe) and larger air tubes that bring air in from the trachea. Bronchitis can be a brief illness known as acute bronchitis or chronic which is long term bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, sometimes it can be caused by a bacterial infection and heals without any complications.

Acute and chronic bronchitis are both inflammations of the air passages, but their causes and treatments are not the same. Acute bronchitis usually occurs in the winter months. Acute bronchitis usually follows a viral infection, like a cold or flu, or it can be accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. An episode of acute bronchitis will usually last for about two weeks, sometimes the cough will remain for a longer period. Because acute bronchitis is an inflammatory process, there is an increased chance of developing pneumonia.

Anyone is susceptible to contracting bronchitis. Certain age groups, such as iinfants, young children and the elderly are more likely to come down with the disease because these groups of individuals have weaker immune systems.

Acute bronchitis will usually start with the symptoms of a cold and a dry cough. The cough will usually worsen and can become painful. When coughing, it is common to bring up a green yellow phlegm or sputum. There may also be a fever, and a whistle noise in the lungs known as wheezing.

If the acute bronchitis has no complications, the fever and many of the other symptoms will disappear within five days, but the cough may remain for several weeks. Sometimes an episode of acute bronchitis is complicated by a bacterial infection. If this occurs, the fever and general feeling of malaise may persist. If a bacterial infection develops, it will need to be treated with antibiotics.

When no secondary infection accompanies an episode of acute bronchitis, it is treated just like the common cold. This includes drinking plenty of fluids, taking frequent rest periods, not smoking, using a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist, taking tylenol for the aches and pain and any fever that is present. Never give aspirin to children , because of the risk of a serious illness known as Reyes syndrome.

Using expectorant cough medicines helps to thin the mucus in the lungs and makes it easier to cough up the phlegm. A pharmacist can help you to select the right type of cough medicine to use. Some cough medicines do not mix well with medications like blood pressure pills, your physician or pharmacist can help you select what is safe for you to use.

If you develop a secondary bacterial infection, you will be given a antibiotic. Antibiotics are never used for viral infections, it is only when a bacterial infection is present that an antibiotic will be given. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, you need to take all of the antibiotic exactly as directed. Stopping the antibiotic early can lead to a recurrent infection.

The best preventative measure to avoid bronchitis is to stop smoking. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, good eating habits help to keep your immune system strong. Get immunized against the flu and pneumonia are additional measures to keep you healthy. Keeping yourself healthy increase the quality of your life and decreases your chances of having an episode or frequent episodes of bronchitis.

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