Preventing Bronchitis

If one does not want to be infected with bronchitis, the most sensible thing he/she can do is to minimize exposure to risk factors. However, this plan of action may be a truly difficult ordeal because bronchitis is usually spread through the air in the form of tiny, unseen droplets. However, there are ways to prevent yourself from developing bronchitis. These are some of them:

Avoid crowds

Crowds are areas filled with people. One of the people in the crowd may have bronchitis. The limited space in the crowd will allow easy transfer of droplets from one person to another. If you cannot avoid being in a crowd, wear a mask or use a handkerchief. Make sure you cover both your nose and your mouth.

Avoid areas with poor ventilation

These areas are conducive for the spread of droplets within the confined space. Viruses and bacteria in droplets can live up to three days. Therefore, even if you enter a poorly ventilated place without anyone coughing or sneezing, you may still get infected. People who entered the place yesterday may have dropped off their virus-infested droplets.

Limit exposure to people with respiratory infections

Respiratory infections are easy to spot. This is because they usually present with flu-like symptoms. Whether or not you are certain if a person has bronchitis, if he/she appears to have flu-like symptoms, avoid these people. If you cannot avoid them, using protective equipment like a mask or a handkerchief.

Maintain clean environment

Get rid of dust. Make sure solid and silky materials around the house are washed and cleaned and dusted. These are materials where droplets might stick and lodge.

Wash your hands regularly

Hand washing is the single most effective way to rid yourself of microorganisms that may cause bronchitis. Your hands travel everywhere. You never know when you have already caressed through a handful of viruses and bring them directly at the tip of your nose to be inhaled.

Stress the importance of obtaining an influenza vaccine

Vaccines are effective in building immunity against viruses that cause flu. Some of these viruses also cause bronchitis. Therefore, preventing yourself from being attacked by these viruses can save you from developing bronchitis.

Build your immune system

There is nothing better than a healthy immune system capable of fighting off unwanted, harmful bacteria and viruses. Eat right. Make sure your body is supplied with the appropriate food. A diet high in fruits, fiber, and vegetables boosts the immune system.

Exercise regularly

Your lungs and your respiratory muscles will be developed. This will also enhance your immune system.

Rest

An immune system is weakened when it does not get enough rest. Cells easily die due to lack of rest. Rejuvenate your cells to prepare them for immune action by sleeping at least 8 hours a day.

As you can see, there are many preventive steps you can take to help prevent the spread of bronchitis. But remember, preventing a respiratory problem can save you from the discomfort of the symptoms that bronchitis entails.

View the original article here

What Is Bronchitis and How to Ease the Symptoms

At its most basic level, bronchitis affects the lungs by causing an individual's bronchial passages (the airways within your lungs) to become infected.

In a bronchial infection, the membrane of the lungs starts swelling due to the irritation, becoming much thicker than prior to the infection. This causes the airways within the lungs to become narrow or completely shut off, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing spells and other symptoms such as excessive mucus.

Bronchitis comes in two known forms: acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis generally lasts for one to three weeks, while the chronic form of the condition may last for a period three months and even up to two years.

The acute form of bronchitis affects the nose, sinuses, throat and later spreads to the lungs. It's primarily caused by a viral respiratory infection and may be coupled with an additional bacterial infection affecting a person's airways. Individuals who contract repeated cases of acute bronchitis may eventually contract chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis may cause symptoms such as "hacking" or severe coughing and excessive phlegm or mucus.

Chronic bronchitis can be contracted through repeated cases of acute bronchitis and/or respiratory aggravation, usually from smoking or exposure from harmful pollutants. Smoke or other pollutants can damage tiny hair-like "brushes" in one's lungs, called cilia. These tiny hairs help ward off debris, irritants and mucus from the interior of your lungs. The condition is generally diagnosed when you has been suffering from coughing that produces excessive mucus for a period over three months.

A doctor or health care provider will perform a series of tests for bronchitis symptoms by listening to the lungs with the use of a stethoscope. A chest x-ray may be performed if necessary.

To treat acute bronchitis, a doctor will suggest a number of home remedies to help the recovery process. Antibiotics are typically prescribed as the viral infection will go away after some time.

During this period, a doctor or healthcare provider will recommend the following:

• Avoid smoking or being exposed to smoking and other harmful fumes.
• Drink a lot of fluids.
• Get enough rest.
• Take pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, especially if one develops fever-like symptoms.
• Consume peripheral pain relievers, such as cough drops.
• Use a humidifier in your home and particularly in places such as a bathroom. Hot washcloths or showers can also be used to soothe airways.

Some patients may need to be prescribed an inhaler from their doctor to open their airways, in the case of developing wheezing. Secondary bacterial infections may be prescribed antibiotics.

View the original article here