by Jon Wagner

Created on: December 07, 2009

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease caused by the inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes. these tubes carry air back and forth to your lungs. This disease is common in all ages and the symptoms remain constant no matter what age group you are part of. Bronchitis has two levels Acute and Chronic.

Acute Bronchitis- Often caused by a cold or possible another respiratory infection.

There are a few common causes of Acute Bronchitis. These include second hand smoke, flue virus, irritants inhaled at certain work places(known as occupational bronchitis), and the constant stomach acid back up into your esophagus. When it backs up into your esophagus a few drops can at time reach your upper airway causing it to be irritated. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease

Symptoms- Coughing (which can cause your abdominal mussels to be sore), Wheezing (may leave to shortness of breath), a heightened production of mucus, minor fever, chills, and fatigue.

Chronic Bronchitis - A much more severe case which is normally caused by smoking, can lead to constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.

At times the symptoms of Acute Bronchitis can become permanent . This then becomes known as Chronic Bronchitis.

Symptoms- Coughing almost everyday especially during the morning hours and in damp or wet weather. Also frequent respiratory infection.

See a Doctor if you have coughing that is hurting your chest, preventing you from sleep, or lasts longer than three weeks, if you have a persisting low fever consistently for more than 3 days, if you have lung or heart problems as diagnosed by a doctor, or if you have repeated stints of bronchitis. If cases get worse go straight to the hospital.

Treatment- Since Bronchitis is usually caused by a viral disease the most you can really do is wait out the symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to make sure you stay hydrated while your body fights off the virus. Cough medication can be useful because the major symptom of Bronchitis is long spurts of coughing. Inhalers are often given to help open up the airway to lessen the effects of wheezing. Lastly medications like Feverall, Panadol, Tylenol, Aspirin, or Ibuprofen can help keep your fever down and help with any minor mussel pains you may have.

Prevention- Do not Smoke, lessen exposure to irritants, avoid second hand smoke and long term pollution as best as you can.

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