What is BRONCHITIS??

Bronchitis is the result of the inflammation on the outer covering of the bronchial tube in the lungs.  The harmful pathogens are responsible for causing this disease.  The real cause of broncitis differs from person to person.  The symptoms for the disease are the almost the same among people who get affected by this disease. They include wheezing, persistent cough, breathlessness, fatigue, fever, chest pain and the like. The real cause of the bronchitis is usually detected via laboratory tests. Treatment is given based on the reports of the lab tests.

Causes of Bronchitis

Virus and bacteria play an important role in causing the disease.  Rhino virus, influenza and adenoviridae viruses are the viral pathogens that cause this disease.  Viral pathogens that cause bronchitis do not stay in the human body for a long time.  It does not require any medication or treatment.  In such a case where bronchitis is caused by bacteria, mere antibiotics can solve the problem.  It is important that we understand what bronchitis is and when infected with this disease, one it is critical that the patient gets to know the type of bronchitis he is suffering from! 

Immediate Treatment is Inevitable

If bronchitis is neglected during the initial stages, then it may lead to chronic bronchitis.  Smokers can get the infected from the pathogens.  Tar is also responsible in forming inflammation.  The inner walls of the bronchi get damaged due to that and in the long run it certainly causes life-threatening diseases like cancer and pneumonia. 

Nature of Pathogens

Pathogens are contagious by nature.  The treatment has to be given after finding the type of pathogen that has actually caused the disease.  The treatment methodology would be the same for all people who get affected by the same type of pathogen.  Cleanliness and hygiene are helpful to get rid off pathogens. 

Methods to Control Pathogens

Some of the very simple methods that you can follow to stay away from pathogens are:

• Wash your hands before meals and after using toilet.
• Use clean kerchief when coughing and blowing your nose.
• Avoid staying in polluted, stormy and dusty place for a long time.
• Quit the habit of smoking.
• Consuming alcohol is one way of comfortably allowing pathogens to enter in to your body.  So, quit the habit of drinking.

Over-the-counter Medicines are Dangerous

Unlike any other disease, over the counter medicines are not helpful in curing the disease.  Antihistamines are harmful in case of bronchitis.  They thicken the mucus and make it tough to get expelled out of the lungs.  Expectorant cough syrup gives sufficient relief to the patients.  Antihistamines should not be consumed along with the cough syrup. If the real cause is identified through laboratory test, undergo treatment as per the doctor’s advice accordingly. Do not self medicate.  If the symptoms persist for more than a month, then take the advice of the physician.