What is Bronchitis?
With the ongoing haze, governments and health practitioners have urged the public to minimize outdoor activities. But if you are in the higher risk group who suffers from any respiratory illness, it is better to avoid outdoor activities altogether if possible. One of the many respiratory illnesses included besides asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is bronchitis.
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes (the pipes in the lungs) due to infection or repeated irritation, the most common cause being smoking but exposure to air pollutants such as dust, vapors, air pollution and fumes could also trigger this. Moreover, studies have shown that second hand smokers are at an increased risk compared to first hand smokers.
How do I know if my cough is related to bronchitis?
Bronchitis is divided into acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is normally due to lower respiratory tract infection of viral origin. Bacterial infections are rare therefore antibiotics are rarely used to treat acute bronchitis unless its origin is confirmed. The most distinctive feature of acute bronchitis is a persistent cough with or without mucus. The persistent cough leads to chest discomfort and difficulty breathing as well. Due to its viral onset, low-grade fever, sore throat and chills might be present.
Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a subtype of COPD (a disease common in smokers), with a cough that lasts for at least three months in each of two successive years.
When should I see a doctor?
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Cough lasts more than 3 weeks.
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Constant fever lasting 3 days or more.
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If coughed up mucus includes blood.
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Anyone with an existing lung or heart condition.
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Rapid breathing and/or chest pains.
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Becoming drowsy or confused.
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If bronchitis is recurring
What can I do about it?
The first thing to know about acute bronchitis is the symptoms are usually self-limiting, resolving in about one to three weeks. Symptom control and reassurance are the cornerstones of care. Simple measures like getting enough rest and drinking sufficient water goes a long way.
Symptom control
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For cough relief - throat lozenges, hot tea, honey, and/or smoking cessation or avoidance of secondhand smoke is a reasonable first step. If the above does not relieve it, one can then opt for OTC medications such as dextromethorphan or guaifenesin. [Do consult your doctor if you are planning to take or give your child medications. The doses and types of drugs may differ.]
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For cold symptoms - Cold symptoms such as headache, muscle aches and joint pains associated with the common cold can be treated with analgesics if needed.
‘If it is not possible to totally avoid air pollutants, protect yourself by wearing a mask’
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Reference:
1. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-bronchitis-in-adults#H336651053
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8888.php
Picture reference:
1. https://www.webmd.com/lung/ss/slideshow-bronchitis-overview
2. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/bronchitis.html
3. https://www.loverelation.in/bronchitis-symptom
