2023-06-30 19:30:31
health
This disease requires medical attention, as it can cause multiple health complications.
30/6/2023
The diagnosis of bronchitis is given when people are presenting inflammation in the bronchi that can be caused by different factors. The bronchi are the tubes that carry air to the lungs and, when they get sick, they cause multiple respiratory symptoms.
Depending on the severity of bronchitis, medical professionals may consider it to be an acute or chronic condition.
“Acute bronchitis is very common and often results from a cold or other respiratory infection. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious disease, is a continuous irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchi, in general, from smoking, ”warned the Mayo Clinic, a medical institution in the United States.
But there are times when breathing problems persist and recur frequently, which may indicate that it is chronic bronchitis. A person is considered to have it when they have a cough for more than three consecutive months, in which there are also other signs of respiratory problems.
People may also experience fatigue, feel like they can’t breathe well, have a slight fever and chills, or have chest discomfort.
“If you have acute bronchitis, you may have cold symptoms, such as generalized aches or mild headaches. While these symptoms usually improve in about a week, you may have a bothersome cough for several weeks,” says the Mayo Clinic.
As it is a health condition that occurs relatively frequently, sometimes people may be unaware that it is a matter that requires timely medical attention. To know when it is necessary to see a health professional, it is key to identify some signs.
For example, the American medical institution warns that it is key to consult when symptoms last more than three weeks, prevent people from falling asleep or sleeping well, there is a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, there is phlegm of different shades, it occurs coughing up blood or wheezing or having trouble breathing.
“Usually, acute bronchitis is caused by viruses, usually the same viruses that cause colds and the flu (influenza),” the Mayo Clinic points out. “Although a single episode of bronchitis is not cause for concern, in some people it can lead to pneumonia. However, recurrent episodes of bronchitis may indicate that you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” added the medical source.
Medline Plus, the online encyclopedia of the US National Library of Medicine, states that in most cases acute bronchitis will clear up on its own. However, he cites some measures that can help patients during the process.
For example, they recommend drinking plenty of fluids, using humidifiers, and getting plenty of rest. “Certain medications that you can buy without a prescription can help you break up or loosen up phlegm. Look for the word ‘guafenesin’ on the label. If you need help finding it, ask your pharmacist,” advises Medline Plus.
This portal also points out that it is essential not to use self-medicated antibiotics, since sometimes it can be a virus that produces respiratory symptoms and does not respond to these medications. To this extent, it is key to follow the recommendations of doctors to the letter, who will only prescribe antibiotics if they can verify that it is bronchitis caused by bacteria.
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