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Bronchitis - Smoking Accounts For 90% Of The Risk!
INTRODUCTION: Bronchitis is a respiratory illness in which the mucous membrane in the lungs bronchial passages becomes inflamed and normally occurs in the setting of an upper respiratory problem and is observed more often in the winter months. It can be short-lived (acute) or chronic, meaning that it continues for a long time and often recurs and may have causes other than an infection. Bronchitis can also occur when acids from your stomach consistently back up into your food pipe, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Both adults and children can develop it.
If you are a smoker and develop the acute form, it will be much harder for you to recover. If you continue to smoke, you are increasing your chances of developing the chronic type which is a serious long-term disorder that frequently requires regular medical treatment. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, you are at risk for developing cardiovascular problems plus more serious lung diseases and infections, and you should be monitored by a Physician.
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms lasting up to ninety days are usually classified as acute; symptoms lasting longer, often for months or years, are usually classified as chronic. Symptoms of Infectious bronchitis generally begins with the symptoms of a routine cold: runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, chills, and back and muscle aches.
The signs of either type of bronchitis include: Cough that produces mucus; if yellow-green in color, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection, Shortness of breath made worse by exertion or mild activity, Wheezing, Fatigue, Fever -- usually low and Chest discomfort. Additional symptoms include: Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu), Ankle, feet, and leg swelling, Blue-tinged lips due to low levels of oxygen.
Most people can treat their problems at home. However, if you have severe or persistent symptoms or if you cough up blood,you should see your MD. The MD will suggest that you drink lots of liquids, get plenty of rest, and may suggest taking an over-the-counter or prescription cough medicine to ease your symptoms as you recover. If you do not improve, your MD may prescribe an inhaler to open your airways. If symptoms are severe, the MD may order a chest x-ray to eliminate pneumonia.
RISK: Over time, harmful substances in tobacco smoke can permanently damage the air passages, increasing the chance for emphysema, cancer, and other serious lung diseases. People at risk for acute bronchitis include: The elderly, infants, and young children, Smokers, and those with heart or lung disease. Passive smoke exposure is a risk factor for chronic bronchitis and asthma in adults.
Smoking (even for a brief time) and being around tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, and other air pollutants for long periods of time puts a person at risk for developing the disease. Overall, tobacco smoking accounts for as much as 90% of the risk. Secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke increases the risk of respiratory infections, augments asthma symptoms, and causes a measurable reduction in pulmonary function. Malnutrition increases the risk of upper respiratory tract infections and subsequent acute bronchitis, especially in children and older people.
TREATMENTS: Treatment depending on the symptoms and cause, can include: Antibiotics to treat acute bronchitis that appears to be caused by a bacterial infection or for persons who have other lung diseases that put them at a greater chance of getting lung infections, Bronchodilators, which open up the bronchi, may be used on a short-term basis to open airways and reduce wheezing, Cool-mist humidifiers or steam vaporizers can be useful for wheezing or shortness of breath.
Early recognition and treatment, combined with smoking cessation, significantly improve the chance of a good outcome. With severe bronchitis, your fever may be as high as 101 to 102F and may last for 3 to 5 days even with antibiotic treatment. However, if influenza is the suspected cause, treatment with an antiviral drug may be helpful.
CONCLUSION: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages within the lungs and may be accompanied by signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, including: Soreness and a feeling of constriction or burning in your chest, Sore throat, Congestion, Breathlessness, Wheezing, Slight fever and chills, Overall malaise.
Tobacco and infectious agents are major causes of chronic bronchitis and although found in all age groups, it is diagnosed most frequently in children younger than 5 years. In 1994, it was diagnosed in more than 11 of every 100 children younger than 5 years. Fewer than 5% of people with bronchitis go on to develop pneumonia. Most cases clear up on their own in a few days, especially if you rest, drink plenty of fluids, and keep the air in your home warm and moist. If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, see your doctor.
About the Author About The Author: Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Sickness and Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". Need more Facts Please go to our websites@ Diabetes & Cancer Secrets OR Go To Heart Disease & Obesity Secrets. You are allowed to reprint this article provided this box is left unchanged.
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