What is Bronchitis? Treatment
Bronchitis is a condition that occurs when the airways are swollen. The bronchi are the airways that connect the windpipe to the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. Air sacs are where inhaled oxygen is absorbed.
Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchi. This inflammation causes the bronchial walls to swell and become filled with more viscous mucus. Due to the swelling and more mucus in the bronchi, the air flow in and out of the lungs is blocked. For this reason, cough occurs.
There are two types of bronchitis:
- l Acute bronchitis resolves within 2-3 weeks.
- l Chronic bronchitis does not go away. In chronic bronchitis, there is frequent cough with mucus for at least three months of the year.
What is acute bronchitis?
Swelling in the bronchi is usually caused by viruses. Viruses attack and infect the airways. The airways become red and swelling occurs and the body produces more mucus in response. Acute bronchitis can also be caused by certain things that irritate the airways, such as smoke.
What are the symptoms?
Individuals with acute bronchitis experience cold or flu-like symptoms. The following symptoms may be felt after a few days:
- coughing up more mucus
- wheezing in the chest
- l Difficulty breathing
- Do not be late to consult your doctor if:
- l If symptoms persist for more than three weeks
- l Difficulty breathing while lying down
- l Have a high fever
- l If you feel pain in the chest or shoulders
- coughing up blood or mucus that tastes blood
- l If you are short of breath
- coughing sticky fluids from your lungs
- you have swollen feet or ankles
l If you have had acute bronchitis many times before. This means there may be a chronic (long-term) problem with the lungs.
How is the treatment done?
Acute bronchitis passes by itself when you follow it while taking care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and control mucus with medication. Reduce the discomfort of smoking while bronchitis or don’t use this post. Thus, the lungs will heal much faster. Some things that can make you feel better:
- l Avoid fire, smoke and avoid smoking
- l Have a good rest
- l Drink plenty of water and healthy coffee
- l Use medications to help dry throat
If you seek medical treatment, your doctor may inhale corticosteroids to reduce airway swelling for you. The doctor will understand that bacteria are causing the bronchitis and will look for antibiotics. If you have a lung lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary life, you may be asked to use more or different medications. Pay more attention to your symptoms and see your doctor or seek emergency help if you have trouble breathing.
Prevention
The best way to prevent bronchitis is to stay away from cigarette smoke. Do not smoke and stay away from passive smoking at the same time. If you smoke, are struggling, and the good thing you can do to do lung damage is to avoid germs. Get a flu shot every year.
