Bronchitis implies a condition
when bronchial tubes present in human beings undergo inflammation. These tubes
play a major role in carrying of air to lungs. When tubes become infected or
inflamed, they produce mucus i.e. a slimy substance in large amounts.
Is
Bronchitis Contagious
Bronchitis is a
contagious type of problem caused in
patients. In fact, based on the spread of infections, doctors have categorized
the problem further in two different types:-
Chronic
Bronchitis
In this type of problem, airways of patients suffer
irritations repeatedly. This type of problem lasts for about few months or even
long time, during repeat on a yearly basis. Chemicals, dust particles, smoke
cigarettes or fire and similar other things irritate lungs, which cause chronic
bronchitis. Bronchitis of this type is not contagious, but it results in severe
health problem requiring for doctor’s appointment.
Acute
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis lasts for a
period starting from only one week to up to three weeks, which take place
because of flu or cold viruses. Moreover, these bronchitis problems are
of contagious in nature.
Signs
and Symptoms of Bronchitis
Whether the condition is of chronic bronchitis or acute bronchitis,
patients would have following signs and symptoms-
●
Cough
●
Production of sputum or mucus, which may be white, clear, green,
yellowish gray in color, while it may remain streak with blood rarely
●
Slight chills and fever
● Discomfort in
chest
If you deal with the problem of acute bronchitis, you would deal with
the problem of nagging cough that would remain for many weeks after you overcome
inflammation. Chronic bronchitis indicates productive cough that remains for
about 3 months, while recurring bouts take place for two or more than two
consecutive years.
Treatment of Bronchitis
Treatment of bronchitis problem depends on the type of bronchitis
suffered by patients.
Acute Bronchitis
In most of the cases, patients may recover from the problem of acute bronchitis without taking
any medical treatment and that too within only two weeks. However, if the
problem is complicated, doctors go for following-
Medications
Doctors recommend for following medications in some of the
circumstances, as mentioned in this article.
● Antibiotics
Bronchitis usually cause from viral infection, because of which
antibiotics failed to bring any significant effect on health. However, doctors
may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect their patients have any bacterial
infection.
● Cough Medicine
Doctors always recommend their patients to avoid suppression of cough
bringing mucus. This is because; cough helps in removal of irritants from
air/nasal passages and lungs. However, if the cough problem prevents patients
from sleeping during nighttime, they should try out for suitable cough
suppressants while they go to bed.
● Other Medications
If any patient has some sort of allergy, problem of asthma or COPD i.e. Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease doctor may suggest for suitable inhaler
or similar type of medication that allows reduction in inflammation and opening
of narrow passages present in lungs.
Therapies
Patients suffering from the problem of chronic bronchitis may get
benefits from pulmonary rehabilitation. This refers to a suitable breathing
exercise or a fitness program, where respiratory therapist trains and teaches
patients to take breath in relatively more easy way and boost the ability of
doing physical exercises.
Chronic Bronchitis
Treatment associated with curing of chronic bronchitis involves
elimination of all sources, which cause irritations in nose.
● Medications and Steroids
As the patient's’ lungs suffer damages, the problem of chronic
bronchitis never goes away completely and hence; it results in flare-ups.
Doctors in this situation, recommend for medications, which include inhalation
of agents intended for the opening of nasal airways. Alternatively, doctors use
steroids to reduce the
problem of inflammation.
● Oxygen Therapy
Doctors recommend for oxygen therapy when the problem becomes too much
severe. In this procedure, the supply of oxygen is done within a metallic
cylinder, and it flows from a tube and within the nose.
● Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Doctors may prescribe
for the treatment of pulmonary rehabilitation, where they teach patients to
inhale and exhale in easiest possible manner.
