2020 is all about your health, wellness, immunity, and self-care. So, let’s talk today about bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of your airways (bronchial tubes). It is often caused by a virus or environmental factors. Spread by airborne respiratory droplets, saliva, skin-to-skin contact. Since 94% of acute bronchitis cases are caused by a virus, antibiotics are pointless and will resolve within days or week.
Bronchitis affects 44 of 1000 adults annually, and 82% of episodes occurred in fall or wintertime. No difference in racial distribution is reported. Acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis have many similar symptoms. The difference is the duration. If these symptoms last more than a few weeks, you need immediately to call your doctor. It’s better to treat it earlier than to treat it when it’s in the worst condition.
Bronchitis Common Symptoms:
• Persistent cough and sore throat
• Yellowish/greenish mucus (sputum)
• Fatigue and headache
• Shortness of breath
• Slight fever and chills
• Chest discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Blocked, runny nose
Risk Factors:
• Cigarette smoke
• Low resistance
• Exposure to irritants on the job
• Gastric reflux
Bronchitis Treatment:
• Medications
• Cough medicine
• Inhaler
• Other medications to reduce inflammation and open airway passages
• Homemade chicken soup
• Stay hydrated and use a humidifier
• Use eucalyptus essential oil
Build yourself strong enough to combat flu, cough, and cold, and let your day lifestyle take you one step ahead to attain a healthy body and healthy mind.
Bronchitis Prevention
• It is important to avoid inhaling chemicals or other irritants that may harm your lungs. Wear a mask if you must be exposed to lung irritants such as dust or pollutants.
• Acute bronchitis can be caught by inhaling the particles of a virus from those that have a cold or through surface or hand-to-hand contact. Wash your hands often!
• Avoid touching your face if you have been in direct contact with someone who is sick.
• Get your annual flu shot because the flu is caused by a virus and can damage your lungs
• Quit smoking, if you smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.
Having chest related problems? No worries. We are always happy to help. For more information please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online for any healthcare needs!
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