Bronchitis-Causes--Symptoms--Treatment........

Bronchitis

Causes

Bronchitis occurs most often during the cold and flu season, usually coupled with an upper respiratory infection.

1. Several viruses cause bronchitis, including influenza A and B, commonly referred to as "the flu."
2. A number of bacteria are also known to cause bronchitis, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes so-called "walking pneumonia."
3. Bronchitis also can occur when a person inhales irritating fumes or dust. Chemical solvents and smoke, including tobacco smoke, have been linked to acute bronchitis.
4. People at increased risk both of getting bronchitis and of having more severe symptoms include the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, smokers, and anyone with repeated exposure to lung irritants.

Symptoms

Acute bronchitis most commonly occurs after an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or a sinus infection. The affected person may have symptoms such as fever with chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and sore throat.

1.    Cough is a common symptom of bronchitis. The cough may be dry or may produce phlegm. Significant phlegm production suggests that the lower respiratory tract and the lung itself may be infected, and you may have symptoms that suggest pneumonia.

2.    The cough may last for more than 2 weeks. Continued forceful coughing may make your chest and abdominal muscles sore. Coughing can be severe enough at times to injure the chest wall or even cause a person to pass out (faint).

3.    Wheezing may occur because of the muscular tightness and inflammation of the airways. This may leave the affected individual short of breath.

4.    Asthmatic bronchitis symptoms include a combination of wheezing and shortness of breath, in addition to the other symptoms of bronchitis.

5.    Symptoms of acute bronchitis usually begin 3 to 4 days after upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or influenza(flu) Symptoms.

6.    A cough, which is the main symptom of acute bronchitis. It may be dry at first and after a few days may bring up mucus from the lungs (productive cough). The mucus may be clear, yellow, or green. Sometimes, small streaks of blood may be present.

7.    A mild fever, usually less than 101°F (38.3°C). A higher fever may indicate pneumonia.

8.    A general feeling of tiredness.

9.    A sensation of tightness, burning, or dull pain in the chest under the breastbone that usually is worse when breathing deeply or coughing. Whistling noises ( wheezing) when breathing, especially during physical exertion.

10. Hoarseness.

Most cases of acute bronchitis in otherwise healthy people last only 2 to 3 weeks. But more than 20% of people with acute bronchitis have a cough that lasts more than 4 weeks.

Often it is hard to tell the difference between viral and bacterial forms of acute bronchitis, and many conditions have symptoms similar to acute bronchitis, such as ashthama and pneumonia. Because pneumonia can be a serious complication, it is important to know the differences between acute bronchitis and pneumonia. For example, a high fever, shaking chills, and shortness of breath often occur with pneumonia but not with acute bronchitis.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose bronchitis generally on the basis of symptoms and a physical examination.

·         Usually no blood tests are necessary.

·         If the doctor suspects the patient has pneumonia, a chesty X-ray may be ordered.

·         Doctors may measure the patient's oxygen saturation (how well oxygen is reaching blood cells) using a sensor placed on a finger. This is referred to as pulse oximetry.

·         Sometimes a doctor may order an examination and/or culture of a sample of phlegm that is coughed up to look for bacteria.

Bronchitis Treatment

Bronchitis Self-Care at Home

By far, the majority of cases of bronchitis stem from viral infections. This means that most cases of bronchitis are short-term and require nothing more than treatment of symptoms to relieve discomfort. 

Antibiotics will not cure a viral illness.

Experts in  the field of infectious disease have been warning for years that overuse of antibiotics is allowing many bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotics available. 

Doctors often prescribe antibiotics because they feel pressured by patient's expectations to receive them. This expectation has been fueled by both misinformation in the media and marketing by drug companies. Don't expect to receive a prescription for an antibiotic if your infection is caused by a virus.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil),     or naproxen (Aleve) will help with fever and muscle aches.

Drinking fluids is very important because fever causes the body to lose fluid faster. Lung secretions will be thinner and easier to clear when the patient is well hydrated. 

A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier can help decrease bronchial irritation. 

An over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant may be helpful. Preparations with guaifenesin (Robitussin, Breonesin, Mucinex) will loosen secretions; dextromethorphan-the "DM" in most over the counter medications (Benylin, Pertussin, Trocal, Vicks 44) suppresses cough.

Natural treatments for bronchitis include honey, lemon, ginger, bay leaf, and almonds. Each of these foods has properties that reportedly reduce symptoms of bronchitis. Consult your health care practitioner before taking or using any natural remedies.

Bronchitis Medical Treatment

Treatment of bronchitis can differ depending on the suspected cause. 

Medications to help suppress the cough or loosen and clear secretions may be helpful. If the patient has severe coughing spells they cannot control, see the doctor for prescription strength cough suppressants. In some cases only these stronger cough suppressants can stop a vicious cycle of coughing leading to more irritation of the bronchial tubes, which in turn causes more coughing.

Bronchodilator inhalers will help open airways and decrease wheezing. 

Though antibiotics play a limited role in treating bronchitis, they become necessary in some situations. 

In particular, if the doctor suspects a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. 

People with chronic lung problems also usually are treated with antibiotics.

In rare cases, the patient may be hospitalized if they experience breathing difficulty that doesn't respond to treatment. This usually occurs because of a complication of bronchitis, not bronchitis itself.

Bronchitis Follow-up

The affected individual should follow up with their doctor within a week after treatment for bronchitis, or sooner if the symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Call the doctor's office if any new problems occur.

Bronchitis Prevention

1.    Stop smoking.

2.    The dangers of secondhand smoke are well documented. Children should never be exposed to secondhand smoke inside the home.

3.    Avoid exposure to irritants. Proper protection in the workplace is vital to preventing exposure.

4.    Avoiding long exposure to air pollution from heavy traffic may help prevent bronchitis.

Bronchitis Prognosis

Nearly all cases of acute bronchitis clear up completely over time.

In the case of bronchitis caused by exposure to respiratory irritants, all the person may need to do is keep away from the cause of irritation.

Smoking cessation is recommended to prevent development of chronic bronchitis or other chronic lung disease such asemphysema. Chronic bronchitis, as its name suggests, can cause symptoms for prolonged periods and lead to other debilitating lung conditions.

Acute Bronchitis Topic Overview The acute bronchitis in people who don't have other health problems. Acute bronchitis may be treated differently if you have a long-term lung disease, such as chronic ,obstructive, pulmonary diseases,(COPD

 

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis means that the tubes that carry air to the lungs (the bronchial tubes) are inflamed and irritated. When this happens, the tubes swell and produce mucus. This makes you cough.

There are two types of bronchitis:

1. Acute bronchitis usually comes on quickly and gets better after 2 to 3 weeks. Most healthy people who get acute bronchitis get better without any problems. See a picture of acute bronchitis..
2. Chronic Bronchitis keeps coming back and can last a long time, especially in people who smoke. Chronic bronchitis means you have a cough with mucus most days of the month for 3 months of the year for at least 2 years in a row.

Both children and adults can get acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis

Causes

 Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Often a person gets acute bronchitis after having an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or the flu. In rare cases, acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria.

Acute bronchitis also can be caused by breathing in things that irritate the bronchial tubes, such as smoke. It also can happen if a person inhales food or vomit into the lungs.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough that is dry and hacking at first. After a few days, the cough may bring up mucus. You may have a low fever feel tired.

Acute bronchitis symptoms usually start 3 or 4 days after an upper respiratory tract infection. Most people get better in 2 to 3 weeks. But some people continue to have a cough for more than 4 weeks.

Pneumonia can have symptoms like acute bronchitis. Because pneumonia can be serious, it is important to know the differences between the two illnesses. Symptoms of pneumonia can include a high fever, shaking chills, and shortness of breath.

Diagnoses

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. This usually gives the doctor enough information to find out if you have acute bronchitis.

In some cases, the doctor may take a chest X-ray to make sure that you don't have pneumonia or another lung problem.

HOMOEOPATHIC Treatment

Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy is indicated when the person has a feeling of wet mucus in the chest, and breathing makes a bubbly, rattling sound. The cough takes effort and is often not quite strong enough to bring the mucus up, although burping and spitting may be of help. The person may feel drowsy or dizzy, and feel better when lying on the right side or sitting up.

Bryonia: This remedy is often indicated when a cough is dry and very painful. The person feels worse from any movement, and may even need to hold his or her sides or press against the chest to keep it still. The cough can make the stomach hurt, and digestion may be upset. A very dry mouth is common, and the person may be thirsty. A person who wants to be left alone when ill, and not talked to or disturbed, is likely to need Bryonia.

Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is often indicated fo bronchitis after a cold. The cough can be troublesome and tickling, worse from lying down or stooping forward, worse from getting cold, and worse at night. Children may have fever, sweaty heads while sleeping, and be very tired. Adults may feel more chilly and have clammy hands and feet, breathing problems when walking up slopes or climbing stairs, and generally poor stamina.

Causticum: Bronchitis with a deep, hard, racking cough can indicate a need for this remedy. The person fees that mucus is stuck in the throat and upper chest, and may cough continually to try to loosen it. A feeling of rawness and soreness can develop, or a sensation as if a rock is stuck inside. Chills can occur along with fever. Exposure to cool air aggravates the cough, but drinking something cold can help. The person may feel worse when days are cold and clear, and better in wet weather.

Dulcamara: When a person easily gets ill after being wet and chilled (or when the weather changes from warm and dry to wet and cool) this remedy may be indicated. The cough can be tickly, hoarse, and loose, and worse from physical exertion. Tendencies toward allergies (cats, pollen, etc.) may increase the person’s susceptibility to bronchitis.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum: The cough that fits this remedy is usually hoarse and rattling, with yellow mucus coming up. The person can be extremely sensitive to cold—even a minor draft or sticking an arm out from under the covers may set off jags of coughing. Cold food or drink can make things worse. A person who needs this remedy feels vulnerable both physically and emotionally, and may act extremely irritable and out of sorts.

Kali bichromicum: A metallic, brassy, hacking cough that starts with a troublesome tickling in the upper air-tubes and brings up strings of sticky yellow mucus can indicate this remedy. A sensation of coldness may be felt inside the chest, and coughing can lead to pain behind the breastbone or extending to the shoulders. Breathing may make a rattling sound when the person sleeps. Problems are typically worse in the early morning, after eating and drinking, and from exposure to open air. The person feels best just lying in bed and keeping warm.

Pulsatilla: Bronchitis with a feeling of weight in the chest, and a cough with choking and gagging that brings up thick yellow mucus, may respond to this remedy. The cough tends to be dry and tight at night, and loose in the morning. The fever may be worse in the evening and at night. Feeling too warm or being in a stuffy room tends to make the person worse, and open air brings improvement. Thirst is usually low. A person who needs this remedy often is moody and emotional and wants attention and sympathy. (This remedy is often helpful to children who are tearful when not feeling well and want to be held and comforted.)

Silicea (also called Silica): A person who needs this remedy can have bronchitis for weeks at a stretch, or even all winter long. The cough takes effort and may bring up yellow or greenish mucus, or little granules that have an offensive smell. Stitching pains may be felt in the back when the person is coughing. Chills are felt more than heat during fever, and the person is likely to sweat at night. A person who needs this remedy is usually sensitive and nervous, with low stamina, swollen lymph nodes, and poor resistance to infection.

Sulphur: This remedy can be indicated when a person has had many bouts of bronchitis (sometimes the resistance has been weakened by taking antibiotics too often for minor complaints). The cough feels irritating, burning, and painful; yellow or greenish mucus may be produced. Problems can be worse if the person gets too warm in bed, and breathing problems at night may wake the person up. Redness of the eyes and mucous membranes, and foul-smelling breath and perspiration are often seen when a person needs this remedy.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used.

Most people can treat symptoms of acute bronchitis at home. Drink plenty of fluids. Use an over-the-counter cough medicine with an expectorant if your doctor recommends it. This can help you bring up mucus when you cough. Suck on cough drops or hard candies to soothe a dry or Sore throat. Cough drops won't stop your cough, but they may make your throat feel better.

Most people don't need antibiotics for acute bronchitis.

Check with your doctor if you have heart or lung disease, such as heart failure, COPD, or asthma. You may need more treatment.

.When To Call a Doctor/Call or other emergency services immediately if:

1.    You have chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, is increasing in intensity, or occurs with any other symptom of aheart attack.

2.    You have severe difficulty breathing.

3.    You are coughing up large amounts of blood (more than streaks of blood or blood mixed with mucus).

4.    Feel short of breath, even when at rest.

5.    Notice new or increasing whistling sounds when breathing (wheezing) or difficulty breathing, even at rest.

6.    Have a cough that frequently produces yellow or green sputum from the lungs (not postnasal drainage), lasts longer than 2 days, and occurs along with a fever of101°F (38.3°C) or higher.

7.    Are coughing up small streaks of blood.

8.    Develop symptoms of acute bronchitis and you have a chronic lung disease such as asthma orchronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).

Call your doctor in 1 to 2 days if you:

·         Notice increased shortness of breath after any physical activity.

·         Have a cough that causes you to vomit frequently.

·         Have a cough that has lasted longer than 4 weeks.

·         Are being treated for acute bronchitis and your symptoms have not improved after 14 days of treatment.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting is often appropriate in otherwise healthy people with acute bronchitis unless you have:

A persistent cough and increasing amounts of mucus being coughed up from the lungs (especially if the mucus is becoming thicker and has more color).

Shortness of breath.

Pain in the chest.

Ongoing fever or fever that gets worse.

Exams and Tests

There are no routine tests to diagnose acute bronchitis. Diagnosis is usually based on your medical history, including your symptoms, and a physical exam. Your doctor will make sure you do not have pneumonia or risk factors for more serious diseases, such as (COPD), that may affect treatment.

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Prevention

You can help prevent  acute bronchitis.

Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, stop. People who smoke or are around others who smoke have more frequent bouts of acute bronchitis. Smoke (including secondhand smoke) reduces the body's ability to remove bacteria and viruses that can cause infections in the lungs.

Wear a face mask while working around irritants, such as dust. Specially designed masks are available to filter out dangerous chemicals or dust.

Avoid contact with those who have an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold, especially if you have animpaired immune system or another medical condition. Wash your hands often during the cold and flu season. If you catch a cold or influenzas(flu), you are at an even higher risk for getting bronchitis.

Discuss with your doctor whether you should get a vaccine for the flu.

If you have an upper respiratory tract infection, it may help to:

·         Get plenty of rest.

·         Drink enough liquids to avoid getting dehydration.

Home Treatment

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Relieving your cough by drinking fluids, using cough drops, and avoiding lung irritants. Over-the-counter cough suppressants may help you to stop coughing. And expectorants may make coughing easier so you can bring up mucus.

Cough and cold medicines may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use them, check the label. If you do use these medicines, always follow the directions about how much to use based on age and in some cases weight.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which cause you to lose extra fluid from your body and may lead to dehydration.

Cutting back or stopping smoking, if you smoke.

Getting enough rest so your body has the energy needed to fight the infection. In general, you feel better sooner if you rest more than usual while you have acute bronchitis.

Using nonprescription medicine, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, to relieve fever and body aches. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20.

Breathing moist air from a humidifier, hot shower, or sink filled with hot water. The heat and moisture can help keep mucus in your airways moist so it can be coughed out easily.

ginger, cinnamon and clove. these are the main ingredients that cure bronchitis. if you an adult it may take a bit longer as my wife, using the same method, took a week to completely clear

Take cayenne, garlic, and ginger to heal the bronchial tubes. 

Take a mixture of a teaspoon of garlic oil and 3 teaspoons honey thrice daily. Rub the throat and chest with garlic oil or cayenne extract to break up mucus and alleviate coughs. 

DR.Sushil Srivastava