Bronchitis
Symptoms
Diagnosing bronchitis conditions in the initial stages will prevent this
condition from becoming severe. Please read
the complete article for more information about its symptoms and treatment
methods for bronchitis…
Our lungs are
the most vital organs of our respiratory system, in the body, whose main
function is respiration. These respiratory organs are present in the chest
cavity. As lungs are the most sensitive organs, they are protected by the rib
cage from any trauma. Since the lungs are the most exposed organs to the
atmosphere, as compared to other organs in the body, they tend to catch
infections easily. Bronchitis is one such disorder that affects the lungs due
to the inhalation of contaminated air. The disease-causing germs, like viruses
and bacteria, attack the bronchi (the passageway of the respiratory tract) of
the lungs and cause inflammation. Before we take a look at bronchitis symptoms,
let us discuss bronchitis.
What is
Bronchitis?
As mentioned
earlier, bronchitis is an infection of the lungs, which can become worse if not
treated on time. Bronchitis is cauterized into two types by name – acute and chronic bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis is caused by pathogens, namely bacteria or viruses. Hence they
are sometimes also referred to as bacterial bronchitis or viral bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis can affect individuals of any age group. On the other hand,
smoking in one of the main causative factors of chronic bronchitis. This kind
of bronchitis is mainly seen in people who smoke tobacco. The bronchitis
symptoms exhibited by both acute and chronic bronchitis are almost similar. Let
us now discuss the bronchitis symptoms and treatment provided for the same.
Symptoms
of Bronchitis
Though
bronchitis symptoms may resemble ordinary cold and flu symptoms, they should
never be ignored, lest they worsen and take a longer time to cure. Acute and
chronic bronchitis symptoms are almost the same. It is essential to diagnose
these bronchitis symptoms in the initial stages to prevent it from becoming
chronic.
Acute
Bronchitis Symptoms
As we have
seen earlier, acute bronchitis is caused due to the inflammation of the
bronchi, due to the attack of disease-causing germs. Given below are some of
the symptoms that can be observed in a person suffering from acute bronchitis.
* One of the primary acute bronchitis
symptoms is persistent dry cough, which may last for more than two weeks. The
dry cough can also transform into mucus if you have a bacterial infection.
* Wheezing, or shortness of breath can be
observed as one of the bronchitis symptoms in children, especially in younger
children. A peculiar sound can be heard when the child breathes, which becomes
more audible when the child is sleeping.
* Discomfort in the chest, inability to
breathe properly and low-grade fever accompanied by chills, are some of the
bronchitis symptoms in adults. Some individuals may also experience generalized
body weakness and moderate headaches as a result of the infection.
Chronic
Bronchitis Symptoms
Chronic
bronchitis is also a type of bronchitis, which mainly affects men when compared
to women. The reason is due to smoking. Sometimes this bronchitis type can turn
into lung cancer and result in death. Given below are some of the chronic
bronchitis effects as seen in a patient who is a victim of chronic bronchitis.
* In case of chronic bronchitis, the
individual may be more susceptible to cold or flu, have a runny nose and
constant cough. The productive cough may worsen during cold weather conditions
and also in the evenings when there is a drop in temperature.
* A condition is known as cyanosis, where the
lips and fingertips may turn bluish in color is also observed as one of the
signs of chronic bronchitis.
* The individual may also suffer from
wheezing and breathlessness and a peculiar whistling sound can be heard while
breathing.
* Some individuals may also experience
fatigue, swelling of the limbs and unexplained weight gain. In the later
stages, this disorder can also end up as a lung infection or a heart disease,
which can be life-threatening and even prove fatal in some cases.
Treating
Bronchitis Symptoms
So how to
treat bronchitis? Treating bronchitis in the initial stages can prevent it from
becoming severe. Though it can also be treated in the later stages, it can take
a long time for the condition to get cured completely. Before administering
bronchitis treatment, the doctor may conduct certain diagnostic tests like a
chest X-ray, sputum culture and blood tests to check for the severity. In the
case of acute bronchitis, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat
bacterial infection. Expectorants may also be prescribed to get relief from
cough. In case of treatment for chronic bronchitis, the doctor may advise the
patient to undergo pulmonary rehabilitation, where the patient is taught some
breathing exercises, for effortless breathing. There are also a few natural
remedies for bronchitis, which are quite effective in treating this respiratory
disorder.
If you notice
any of the above bronchitis symptoms or similar to it, then consult a health
care provider for prompt treatment. It is also important to know how to prevent
bronchitis as it may lead to other serious health complications.
Remedies for
the Treatment of Bronchitis
Do You feel that you were finally shaking that
cold, but today morning your cough is worse than ever?
And you are
coughing with phlegm continuously, You have probably developed bronchitis, an
often painful infection in the major bronchial tubes leading to the lungs.
Bronchitis
develops with different causes, the two most common causes are bacterial
infections and viruses attack which leaves the respiratory passages vulnerable
to a secondary infection.
It's hallmark
symptom is a cough that is productive of thick, yellowish or greenish sputum in
large amounts. But other symptoms can include a low-grade fever, chills, ache,
and pains. You may also experience some rattling noises in the lungs and chest.
Unlike cold
and flu viruses, which are easily acquired through respiratory excretions in
the air, bronchitis tends to be particular to an individual and is rarely
contagious.
And while
bronchitis sounds horrible, its bark is bigger than its bite.
The two most
worrisome symptoms tend to be the characteristic burning and chest pain
directly under the breastbone and the sometimes blood-streaked sputum produced
by the cough.
But there are
some things you can do to help the healing.
Humidify your
environment.
Use a warm-
or cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. While the cough is an
irritating thing, it is the body*s natural response for getting rid of the
infection.
It is advised
to cure the Bronchitis rather than to suppress it with an over-the-counter
cough drug. An additional humidity will help to reduce the sputum up and out of
the body. Exposing for a steamy shower
with the bathroom door closed or keeping a pan of boiling water on the stove
can also help loosen and bring up phlegm.
Drink plenty
of liquids.
Dinking
additional liquids help to keep the sputum more fluid. The only thing you need to take additional
liquids such as hot water, Tea/Coffee or soups.
It is advised that warm liquids will give better results than cold ones.
Gargle with
warm saltwater.
Your gargling
with salt water will provide double benefits of relief by soothing the
inflammation in the throat and by cutting through some of the mucus that may be
accumulated and irritating the throat membranes, according to Bell.
You just take
one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water,
too much salt may cause a burning sensation in the throat, and too
little is ineffective. Gargle as in more frequently for early relief.
Rest well.
Generally,
bronchitis is associated with a cold or the flu, you may find it difficult to
sit for a longer duration. But you will need to take it easy a little longer.
Stepping out with bronchitis will only make the trouble worse.
Keep an eye
out for complications.
Complications
can sometimes occur, and you will need to stay alert for signs that its time
to see your doctor. The complications that are most worrisome include
pneumonia, sinus infections, and ear infections, all of which need to be
treated.
If there
exist more complications than cough including a persistent fever (which is not
normally characteristic of bronchitis), prolonged coughing spells, severe chest
pain and shortness of breath.
Additionally,
blood-streaked sputum is often normal symptom of bronchitis, it can also signal
several more-serious problems and should be checked with a qualified medical
professional.
More Cures for Bronchitis
Condition
Bronchitis
conditions are usually viral infections and are known for being contagious
since it can be acquired through contact with a person suffering from such
infection and it can travel by air. This infection can be a stepping stone for
other branching infections or complications such as pneumonia and emphysema,
not to mention that it can also lead to lung cancer.
This kind of
respiratory disease is where the mucous membrane in the lungs’ bronchial passageway
is inflamed. It may cause the membrane to become irritated which may grow and
swell thicker. In turn, the lungs' tiny airways narrow down and/or shuts off,
which results in breathlessness and coughing spells that are usually associated
with thick phlegm.
There are few
other treatments that are used to cure
this condition, however, because of the fast advancement of our technology.
Some doctors
advise their patients to use Albuterol and Ipratropium inhalers, these drugs
are both by prescription. If the patient has a fever and discolored phlegm,
then the doctor may advise antibiotics. However, some persons who have
experienced such conditions recommend a Z pack. It is usually taken 5 pills a
day for not less than 5 days. It should stop the congestion but cough will
still be there so your doctor may write you a cough syrup that will help you
get rid of the left cough and get you some rest.
Another solution to bronchitis is that if you are smoking the best treatment to the
condition is to stop smoking although it is easier said than done, you need to
drink more fluids like water, even sodas and juice will do.
Also read - Natural Remedies for Muscle Cramps / Spasms
In case, if
you have severe bronchitis, a lot is to have a cool mist steamer running while
sleeping. You may also try some Chinese food remedies like the following:
1. 500 mg
unpeeled pear or radish (crushed and soaked in honey).
2. Make a
soup out of boiled licorice in water over low heat.
3. Put a
peeled grapefruit inside the chicken cavity. Cook by steaming the chicken in a
pan by adding a little water. Drink the chicken broth and eat the chicken.
4. For older
patients with chronic bronchitis, It is recommended that they should eat
seafood and yam.
According to
some sources, there are so many ways to cure it, like drinking onion juice
mixed with honey, or onion decoction which is said to give relief from coughing
that is usually associated with bronchitis. You can also try boiling pepper
powder in milk and then drink it or you can also lick pepper powder mixed with
ghee and sugar. Bronchitis can also be cured by drinking a mixture of 2 teaspoons
of green ginger juice and 1 teaspoon of honey.
Bronchitis is
also can be treated with drinking roasted asafoetida mixed in warm water. One
should also try the combination of raisins and sugar kept in the mouth while
sucking.
The condition
can also be treated by sucking on the pomegranate fruit skin. Eating some dates
while drinking warm water can dilute and remove the cough, thereby relieving
the symptoms of bronchitis. One should also try drinking mint juice or licking
approximately one half tola honey up to four times a day, or drinking tulsi
juice along with sugar. Tea also has its own curing substance that acts as a
bronchodilator. Here are more natural ways to cure bronchitis. Put warm castor
oil planet leaves on a pan. Cool and spread on the chest for the night
(Caution: castor oil planet is poisonous). You can also try mixing mustard
powder and an equal amount of flour and water, and then smear it on the chest.
There are yet
more ways to cure bronchitis, however, if we do not take good care of our
bodies and continue to do things that may weaken our immune system, infections
such as bronchitis will always be there to threaten us.
Thank you for reading. If you like the article please like and comment. Also, share it with the person who needs the information. Please reply in that comment box - what is your best natural treatment for bronchitis or any other natural remedy?
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