Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tube (airways in the lungs) linings. The swelling causes difficulty in breathing air in and out. Acute bronchitis is when it is a sudden attack and does not last long. The effects are drastic. In the chronic bronchitis, the symptoms are milder and last much longer, for months or years.

Symptoms:

• Cough that brings in mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling ill
• Headache
• Fever that is mild

Causes:

• Most of the acute cases are due to viral infections
• Smoking is the cause of most chronic bronchitis cases
• Allergic reactions

Treatment:

• A lot of rest
• Take a lot of fluids
• Some anti-viral drugs
• Mainly medicines such as bronchodialators

Note:

Do not attempt to take antibiotics on your own! Antibiotics mainly work on bacteria and not viruses. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics that are to prevent other infections.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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