To manage the symptoms of bronchitis and feel better, you may
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. If due to certain medical conditions such as kidney diseases your doctor has restricted your fluid intake, you may ask them of the number of fluids you can safely have.
- Take adequate rest.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, as per the label instructions.
- Take steam inhalation.
- Take a warm shower.
- Adults may take non medicated lozenges to soothe the throat.
- Avoid smoking.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself from pollution or cold air.
- Take a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meat.
- Perform breathing exercises.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Have ginger tea and other herbal teas.
- Gargle with salt and water.
- Drink some honey in water.
- Avoid being around second-hand smoke.
- Use a humidifier.
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the air-carrying tubes in the lungs (bronchioles). The condition is often associated with persistent, nagging coughs with mucus. The condition often starts as an infection of the nose, throat, ears, or sinuses that later moves to the bronchi.
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic:
- Acute bronchitis: It is a short-term condition. It is usually caused by a viral infection. Smoking may initiate or worsen the symptoms. Bacterial infection may occasionally cause acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually goes away in a week or two. The symptoms may at times last for three weeks.
- Chronic bronchitis: It is less common compared with acute bronchitis. It is defined as cough productive of sputum, lasting for three months of the year for at least two consecutive years. It may block the airflow in the lungs and is classified as a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Chronic bronchitis may begin as cough and inflammation caused by a respiratory infection or illness, exposure to tobacco smoke, or other irritants in the air.
What causes bronchitis?
Bronchitis is usually caused by viral infections. It may occasionally result due to bacterial infections. Certain conditions such as asthma and obesity may make a person more likely to get bronchitis.
Smokers are more likely to get bronchitis. The risk is relatively higher in female smokers than in male smokers.
A history of childhood lung diseases is associated with a high risk of bronchitis.
Exposure to environmental pollutants, dust, and second-hand smoke increases the risk of bronchitis.
People who have allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, a type of digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the food pipe), or a family history of bronchitis are more likely to get bronchitis.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis?
The commonest symptom of bronchitis is a persistent cough with mucus production. Other symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fever that is usually low grade
- Wheezing (a high-pitched, coarse whistling sound when a person breathes)
- Feeling sick or having a lack of energy
- Chest discomfort or pain
Is bronchitis contagious?
Acute bronchitis may be contagious because it is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. You may get the infection from the affected person when they sneeze or cough. You may also get the infection if you touch a contaminated object and then touch your face without washing your hands.
Chronic bronchitis is usually not contagious because it results from a long-term irritation of the airways.
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/bronchitis
Top What Helps When You Have Bronchitis? Related Articles
Bronchitis (Acute) Contagoius Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is is short in duration (10 to 20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms for acute bronchitis include nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Acute bronchitis in children also my include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis are OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.
Bronchitis Picture
Acute bronchitis usually comes on quickly and gets better after several weeks. See a picture of Acute Bronchitis and learn more about the health topic.
Bronchitis Slideshow
Is bronchitis contagious? Learn about bronchitis, an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. Bronchitis can be aggravated from colds, cigarette smoking, COPD, and other lung conditions. Explore bronchitis symptoms and treatments.
Bronchitis Quiz
What happens within the body when a person develops bronchitis? Take this quick quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, treatments, and complications of this common respiratory illness.
Chronic Bronchitis (Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Remedies)
Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with production of sputum that lasts for at least three months, two years in a row. Causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying disease processes (such as asthma, or congestive heart failure). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications of chronic bronchitis include COPD and emphysema.
Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds
If you have a COPD such as emphysema, avoiding chronic bronchitis and colds is important to avoid a more severe respiratory infection such as pneumonia. Avoiding cigarette smoking, practice good hygeine, stay away from crowds, and alerting your healthcare provider if you have a sinus infection or cold or cough that becomes worse. Treatment options depend upon the severity of the emphysema, bronchitis, or cold combination.