Bronchitis is an illnesses that is characterized by an inflammation in the passageways to the lungs and bronchitis is of two types; chronic and acute bronchitis. Smoking or receiving secondhand smoke is a major cause of bronchitis so if you are a smoker, you should quit so that the bronchitis will not develop into a more serious illness such as lung cancer. One of the main symptoms of bronchitis is heavy coughing as well as chest congestion andwheezing.
Causes of Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is a type of mild bronchitis that generally lasts between a few days and a few weeks. One cause of acute bronchitis is pathogens that exist in the air that can be from bacteria or a virus. This happens when your respiratory becomes weak and unable to fight off the pathogens. If you inhaled pollutants recently as part of your job or household tasks, you would be at risk of getting acute bronchitis. Asthma and the cold are other reasons for acute bronchitis.
How Smoking Causes Bronchitis
If you are a smoker, you should know how this habit causes bronchitis. Each time you smoke, the tobacco causes problems for the bronchial tubes’ lining and as a result you developsymptoms of bronchitis, such as cough spells, sore throat, mucus irritation and bad breath; in addition, the toxic substances that are in cigarettes such as carbon monoxide, tar and hydrogen cyanide. You may also get a mucus buildup because of bronchitis.
Common Cold or Flu as Cause of Bronchitis
When you get the common cold or flu during the winter months in particular, you may get bronchitis as a result. If you have a weak immune system caused by illnesses such as AIDS or cancer, you could develop the flu easily and this is a cause of bronchitis. When you go out in the cold, you should wear layered and heavy clothing that will keep you warm and also take vitamin C when you are not sick so you can build your immune system’s defenses against respiratory illnesses.
Types of Treatment and Bronchitis Prevention
If you have bronchitis your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications so you can recover efficiently. Other remedies include getting enough rest, drinking plenty of liquids that are free of sugars and high levels of sodium, wearing comfortable clothing and taking cough expectorants to get rid of excess mucus in the chest.
Conclusion
When you get bronchitis it is frustrating and uncomfortable but with the right treatment, it is possible to get back to normal within a reasonable amount of time. To prevent bronchitis you want to avoid a smoking habit, avoid contact with those infected by the flu or a cold, wear warm clothing when out in the cold, and take vitaminC. It usually takes three to four weeks before you recover from bronchitis. Finally, talk to your doctor about ways to get treatment for bronchitis and how to prevent it.