What is bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tree. The bronchial
tree is made up of the tubes that carry air into your lungs. When these tubes get infected, they swell and mucus forms inside them. This
makes it hard for you to breathe. You may cough up mucus and wheeze.
What causes acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses
or bacteria that attack the lining of the bronchial tree and cause infection. As your body fights back against this infection, more
swelling occurs and more mucus is made. It takes time for your body to kill the infection and heal the damage to your bronchial
tubes.
How do people get acute bronchitis?
The microbes that causes acute bronchitis are sprayed into the air or
onto people's hands when they cough. You can contract bronchitis if you breathe in these microbes or if you touch something coated with
the microbe. Frequent hand washing can decrease your chances of getting infected.
When should you visit your provider?
You should visit your family healthcare
provider if have any of the following symptoms:
-
Fever that is persistant and will not go away.
-
Discoloration of mucus, anything but clear.
-
Chronic wheezing or problems catching your
breath
-
Coughing so hard you produce blood or pass out.
-
Coughing that continues to get worse.
-
Other symptoms develop like vomiting, sore throat, or
headache.
When visiting your family care
provider, they may treat you in a variety of ways. Typical ways of treating bronchitis include steriods, decongestants, and antibiotics
when needed. Your provider will choose the appropriate route of treatment for you and your family.
Source: FamilyDoctor.org
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