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Article #220: Chronic Bronchitis Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Chronic Bronchitis in severe cases.
Chronic bronchitis is a condition * In very extreme cases, lung reduction
involving the inflammation of the main surgery to remove damaged area of lung or
airways (bronchial tubes) in the lungs a lung transplant may be recommended.
that continues for a long period or keeps Always seek professional medical advice
recurring. When the airways are about any treatment or change in
irritated, thick mucus (also called treatment plans.
sputum) forms in them. The mucus plugs up Preventive measures to avoid flare-ups:
the airways and makes it hard to get air * Quit smoking
into the lungs, leading to shortness of * Healthy diet
breath and persistent cough. * Avoid substances that cause flare ups
In medical terms, a person is considered * Avoid dust
to have chronic bronchitis if cough and * Physiotherapy, regular exercises as
sputum are present (without any other shown by a practitioner to strengthen
disease that could account for these lung muscles.
symptoms) on an average of 3 months for * Chronic bronchitis increases the risk
at least 2 successive years or for 6 of lung infections, so be sure to get a
months during a year. flu shot every year. Also, get a
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis: pneumococcal vaccination to protect
* An early symptom is persistent winter against pneumonia.
cough that disappears in the summer. Do antibiotics help in treating chronic
* In the early stages of chronic bronchitis?
bronchitis, the cough usually occurs in In general, antibiotics don't help much
the morning. As the disease advances, in chronic bronchitis.
coughing persists throughout the day. Antibiotics are usually prescribed if one
This chronic cough is termed as "smoker's gets a lung infection along with chronic
cough." bronchitis. This is because, if one has a
* The cough produces mucus, and there is lung infection, he may cough up more
trouble breathing and a feeling of mucus thereby aggravating the situation.
tightness in the chest. One may also get down with fever and
* Lips and skin may appear blue. shortness of breath.
* Breathlessness even on slight exertion. What is oxygen therapy?
* Abnormal lung signs. Because of the damage to lungs due to
* Mild fever accompanied by chest pain. chronic bronchitis, the lungs may not be
* Swelling of the feet able to get enough oxygen into the body.
* Heart failure in extreme cases Therefore, a doctor may prescribe oxygen
What causes chronic bronchitis? supplementation if the chronic bronchitis
Cigarette smoking is the main cause of is severe and medicine doesn't help.
chronic bronchitis . When tobacco smoke If prescribed oxygen therapy, one must
is inhaled into the lungs, it irritates use it day and night to get the most
the airways, thereby leading to excessive advantage. Oxygen can help breathe
production of mucus. better, easier and therefore live longer.
If exposed for a long time to other A few other suggestions:
substances that irritate the lungs, such * Exercising regularly so as to
as air pollution, chemical fumes, dust strengthen the muscles that help breathe.
and other noxious substances, one can get Start by exercising slowly and for just a
chronic bronchitis. little while at a time. Then slowly
Treatment: increase the time you exercise each day
There is no complete cure for chronic and also how fast you exercise.
bronchitis. The main aim of treatment is * An exercise regime called pulmonary
to relieve symptoms and prevent rehabilitation may also help improve
complications. breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation is
Many patients with chronic bronchitis are usually given by a respiratory therapist.
susceptible to recurring bacterial * A breathing method called "pursed-lip
infections, so treatment becomes all the breathing" also helps. To do this, take a
more tough. Excessive mucus production in deep breath and then breathe out slowly
the lungs provides the perfect through the mouth while holding the lips
environment for infection to thrive, as if going to kiss someone. Pursed-lip
which also causes inflammation and breathing slows down the fast breathing
swelling of the bronchial tubes and a and helps one feel better.
reduction in the amount of airflow in and * Drink a minimum of eight glasses of
out of the lungs. water or other fluids every day. This
* It is important to quit smoking, and will help to keep the mucus thin, making
thereby prevent chronic bronchitis from it easier to cough up. Avoid sugar and
getting worse. Any other respiratory dairy products because they tend to
irritants should also be avoided. weaken the immune system and stimulate
* Inhaled medications (bronchodilators) excessive mucus production.
that widen the airways and decrease * Avoid taking cough suppressants, as it
inflammation help reduce symptoms such as may cause mucus buildup and can lead to
wheezing. serious complications, such as pneumonia.
* Antibiotics are also prescribed for * Avoid taking antihistamines or
infections as required. decongestants as these medications can
* Corticosteroids are used during worsen the situation by drying the
flare-ups of wheezing or by people with airways and causing the mucus to thicken.
severe bronchitis who do not respond to * Stay away from chemicals, dust, paints,
other treatments. insecticides and other respiratory
* Physical exercise programmes, breathing irritants as these worsen the condition.
exercises are part of the overall Remember, if symptoms do not ease within
treatment plan. 48 hours or mucus colour changes, one
* Oxygen supplementation may be advised must immediately call a doctor.






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