Dec. 5, 2019 | It starts with a cough, maybe as the result of a cold. But it’s more than just a cough, there’s that wheezing sound every time you breathe, accompanied by shortness of breath and a feeling of pain or tightness in your chest. If you have any of these symptoms, you may have more than just a cough, it could be bronchitis. This condition occurs when the body’s bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, become inflamed. Bronchitis can either be acute, which means it may last no more than a few weeks, or chronic, which requires longer term medical attention. Acute cases of bronchitis are usually caused by viruses, typically the same kind of viruses that cause colds and the flu. Since antibiotics have no effect on viruses, this type of medication isn’t useful in treating this kind of bronchitis. The symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis may include a cough that brings up mucus, a slimy substance made by the lining of the bronchial tubes, as well as fatigue and chills.

Dec. 5, 2019 | Infections or lung irritants can lead to acute bronchitis but the most common cause of this condition is the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. These viruses are spread through the air when people cough. They also are spread through physical contact, such as on hands that have not been washed. Acute bronchitis lasts from a few days to 10 days. However, coughing may last for several weeks after the infection is gone. Constant exposure to things like tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, dust, fumes and air pollution, will increase your risk for acute bronchitis. Most cases of acute bronchitis go away within a few days. It’s okay to take an over-the-counter cough suppressant if your cough is dry. It’s best not to suppress a cough that brings up mucus because this type of cough helps clear the mucus from your bronchial tubes. If you think you have acute bronchitis, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to rule out other, more serious health conditions.

Dec. 5, 2019 | Chronic bronchitis is most often caused by cigarette or tobacco smoke which, when inhaled into the lungs, irritates the airways and can lead to the production of mucus. Because chronic bronchitis increases your risk of lung infections, it’s important for people with this condition to get a flu shot every year and to get a pneumococcal vaccination every five to six years to protect against pneumonia. An inhaler may be prescribed to dilate or open the patient’s airways and allow them to breathe easier. Other medications may be used to break up mucus. Chronic bronchitis is a serious, long-term medical condition. However, early diagnosis and treatment, combined with quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, can improve a patient’s quality of life. Some patients benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, a breathing exercise program in which a respiratory therapist teaches the patient how to breathe more easily and increase their ability to exercise.

Dec. 5, 2019 | If you have bronchitis, be sure to avoid any kind of irritants to your lungs, including being around cigarette smoke for even a short period of time. And wear a mask when the air is polluted or when there’s a chance you could be exposed to irritants like household cleaners with strong fumes. You may also want to use a humidifier in your home or office. Warm, moist air helps relieve coughs and loosens mucus in your airways. But be sure to clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi in the water container. And during this time of year, when the air is cold, you may want to consider wearing a face mask to keep from aggravating your cough and causing any increased shortness of breath. Wash your hands often to lower your risk for a viral or bacterial infection. Also, try to stay away from large crowds and people who are sick. See your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a cold or the flu.

Dec. 5, 2019 | People with bronchitis may think that the best thing they can do is rest their lungs but actually exercise can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe. If you have bronchitis, particularly the chronic form of the condition, try to do mild to moderate exercise at least three times a week. Start by exercising slowly and for just a little while. Then slowly increase the time you exercise each day and how fast you exercise. For example, you might begin exercising by walking slowly for 15 minutes three times a week. Then, as you get in better shape, you can increase your walking speed. You can also increase the length of time you walk to 20 minutes, then 25 minutes, then 30 minutes. Ask your doctor for help creating an exercise plan that’s right for you. But when it comes to bronchitis, the very most important thing you can do is stop being exposed to the irritant that caused the condition in the first place. In other words, if you smoke, you MUST stop smoking!