Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. Symptoms include:
More specifically, it may refer to:
Chronic bronchitis can be caused by inhaling irritating fumes or dusts. Chemical solvents and smoke, including tobacco smoke, have all been linked to acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is often a symptom of the common cold. Viral bronchitis is contagious.[1]
In bronchitis, the membranes lining the larger air passages (bronchi) become inflamed and an excessive amount of mucus is produced. The person with bronchitis develops a bad cough to get rid of the mucus. Sometimes it can lead to pneumonia.
Airflow into and out of the lungs is partly blocked because of the swelling and extra mucus in the bronchi.[2]
Bronchitis is commonly treated with an antibiotic called Amoxicillin or with inhalers as with asthma. A rescue puffer, Ventolin, Salbutomal or Novo-Salmol, is commonly used for a respiratory emergency (dyspnea). Other inhalers can be prescribed for daily therapy use.
Chronic bronchitis is one sub-category of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or disorder). Emphysema is another sub-category of COPD. With COPD, each interferes with the absorption of oxygen into the blood stream. COPD patients can degrade to the point where their breathing system does not recognize high levels of carbon dioxide buildup. Their breathing mechanism will respond to low levels of oxygen instead. So applying oxygen for treatment of a COPD patient can potentially shut down the respiratory drive. However, COPD is a secondary issue. The oxygen is required for treatment of the main injury or illness. The main point is to monitor and ensure that if the respiratory drive shuts down, start rescue breathing or CPR (if no signs of circulation).
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