Bronchitis refers to inflammation in mucous membranes of bronchial airways. It is a type of respiratory disorder that occurs when the windpipe and the large and small airways within the lungs become inflamed. Bronchitis is categorized in acute and chronic bronchitis.  Chronic is a type of obstructive pulmonary disease that often develops due to recurrent injuries in bronchial tubes. These injuries can be caused by inhalation of airborne irritants and intolerants. Whereas, viral infections like common cold and influenza share a major part in triggering acute bronchitis.

Causes of bronchitis:

We come across phrases like “Smoking is injurious to health”. People suffering from bronchitis may be the best example to prove this right. Smoking contributes its major share in the development of bronchitis.  Don’t be under wrong impression! People who are blessed with inborn good habits are not spared.  Its just that smokers have got the higher risks of getting triggered by bronchitis. Apart from smoking, frequent inhalation of irritants like dust, fumes, environmental toxics, chemical solvents, tobacco smoke etc are also somewhere responsible for enhancing the chances of bronchitis.

This type of respiratory disorder occurs more often during the cold and flu days. Wrong feeding habits and frequent intake of refined food products results in accumulation of toxic waste in the bronchial passage. This accumulation lowers the resistance power, which in turn can result in minor infections due to changes in weather and environment. People with weak immune system and frequent smoking habits have got increased risks of getting triggered by bronchitis.

Symptoms of bronchitis:

Cough is determined as the most common symptom of bronchitis. The main sign is the cough or mucus that appears yellowish gray or green. The texture may be dry or phlegm.  Generally mucus is clear or white; the change in the color is because of the inflamed bronchial tubes. Cough may last for a week or two. People suffering from bronchitis may experience discomfort due to severe cough, which may lead to swelling of chest and abdominal muscles.  Severe coughing in latter stages may lead to injured chest wall. General symptoms include coughing, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, congestion etc.  Other general symptoms consist of headache, usual mild fever, shortness of breath and burning sensation in the chest.

Treatment

Decreasing the impact of inflammation is the basic goal for treating bronchitis. This is generally done by prescribing short-term steroid therapy. There are several treatments available including household remedies. Antibiotics are termed as ineffective as far as curing bronchitis is concerned. However, there are some cases where antibiotics are prescribed but there is no guarantee that it won’t occur again. In most cases, after detection doctors advise to take rest and drink high amounts of fluids. Good hydration will flush away the secretion of the bronchi airways. Staying in warm and moist environment would also help in reducing the impact. Usage of liquid suppressants and cough drops will help in breaking the vicious cycle of the secretion and mucus formation. If neglected for a longer duration, it can be life threatening.

Getting rid from bronchitis is not really a tough job.  Following proper advices will surely get you back to a healthier way of living