HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Article Home Adult and Senior Health Bronchitis

Bronchitis

Publisher
3847 Views
Acute inflammation of the air passages within the lung. Most cases of acute bronchitis disappear within few days without lasting effects. usually occurs after a sinus infection or common cold

Causes

  • Viruses that cause colds
  • Bacteria
  • Tobacco/ cigarette smoke
  • Stomach acids that persistently back up into food pipe

Symptoms:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Feeling of constriction or burning in the chest
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Fever with chills
  • Malaise

Seek medical advice when

  • Severe cough interfering with sleep
  • Fever beyond 4 to 5 days
  • Associated heart or lung problem
  • Coughing up blood or rust colored sputum
  • Repeated attacks of bronchitis

Diagnosis

  • Chest X-ray
  • Lung function test

Complications

  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Emphysema 

Prevention

  • Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Avoid exposure to irritants and air pollutants
  • Use face masks around other people who are coughing and sneezing

Self care at home

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and muscle aches
  • Avoid exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke
  • Cool mist vaporizer/humidifier to reduce bronchial irritation

Treatment

  • Antibiotics will not cure viral illness
  • Medications to suppress cough
  • Bronchodilators to open the airways and to reduce the airway resistance
  • Antibiotics in bacterial infection