Bronchitis
Bronchitis
It is an irritation, inflammation and infection of bronchi , which leads to production of mucus and cough. (Trachea is the main airway of the lungs, than it divides in to two bronchus, where as smaller braches are bronchi).
Symptoms
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Congestion in throat
- Rhinitis, Congested nose
- Body ache
- Malaise
- Weakness
- Fever
- Sometimes wheeze
- In worst condition breathlessness
- Discomfort in chest
- Pain in chest because of cough
Causes
- Viral 85%
- Bacterial 10%
- Allergens, Smoke, Smog, Tobacco, Irritants, Dust, Acids
- Acid Reflux
Diagnosis
- Your Doctor can decide from your examination if you have bronchitis, if necessary he will advise chest X-Ray, if persisting fever sputum culture can be done to decide if antibiotics are needed
Complications
- Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath
- Emphysema
- Pneumothorax
- Pneumonia
Treamtent
If your symptoms last for 2-3 weeks you need to see your doctor
- Inhalers, Steroids, Painkillers, Mucolytics advised not to take without doctors suggestion
- Do not take unnecessary antibiotics as it is mostly caused by virus
- Your doctor will decide if you need antibiotics or not
Home remedies
- Drink warm water, black tea, green tea, adding honey and lemon
- Take rest
- Avoid smoking or irritants
- Eat healthy food
- Exercise regularly
- In case of Temperature take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen