Acute Bronchitis and Causes and Risk Factors of Acute

Causes and Risk Factors of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is a very common respiratory disease that generates symptoms such as mucus-producing cough, chest discomfort and pain, difficult and shallow breathing, wheezing and fever. One of the most commonly diagnosed respiratory diseases in the United States, acute bronchitis is responsible for causing an estimated 2.5 million new cases of breathing insufficiency each year. Although it has the highest incidence in people with ages over 50, acute bronchitis can be seen in young adults and children as well.

Sometimes, acute bronchitis can also be caused by infection with fungal organisms such as Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidioides immitis. When acute bronchitis is the result of bronchial infection with fungal elements, the disease is generally less serious and generates mild to moderate symptoms.

Acute bronchitis treatment to inflammation of the bronchial mucosal membranes, triggered by various external irritant or infectious agents. Due to prolonged exposure to irritants, pollutants or due to infection with viruses or bacteria, the bronchial region becomes inflamed, resulting in overproduction and expectoration of mucus. Mucus is a substance produced by the soft tissues and membranes involved in breathing. It has a very important role in protecting the respiratory tract against irritants and infectious organisms. However, in the case of acute bronchitis, overproduction of mucus is an inflammatory reaction of the respiratory tract due to irritation of the bronchia. An excessive production of mucus leads to obstruction of the airways, causing wheezing and shallow, accelerated, difficult breathing. Even if you are a stranger in the world of Bronchitis, once you are through with this article, you will no longer have to consider yourself to be a stranger in it!

There is a Wide Range of Factors that can Lead to the Occurrence of Acute Bronchitis

The most common cause of acute bronchitis is infection with viruses. The viral organisms responsible for triggering the manifestations of acute bronchitis are: adenovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, coxsackievirus, enterovirus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. Commonly developed by children, viral forms of acute bronchitis are usually less serious and generate milder symptoms (mild to moderate fever, non-severe cough and less pronounced obstruction of the airways). A substantial amount of the words here are all inter-connected to and about Bronchitis Caused. Understand them to get an overall understanding on Bronchitis Caused.

Non-infectious factors that can lead to the occurrence of acute bronchitis are: dust, pollen, chemicals, pollutants, cigarette smoke, substances with strong, irritant odor (alcohol, paints, benzene). When acute bronchitis is solely the result of exposure to non-infectious irritant agents, the disease is usually less severe and generates mild to moderate symptoms. In this case, the medical treatment is focused towards alleviating the clinical manifestations of the disease. Patients are usually prescribed bronchodilators or cough suppressants for decongestion of the airways and rapid symptomatic relief.

Acute Bronchitis can Also be the Consequence of Bacterial Infections

Common bacterial agents responsible for causing acute bronchitis are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Bordatella pertussis, Bordatella parapertussis and Branhamella catarrhalis. In some cases, the disease can also be triggered by mycoplasmas, infectious organisms that share the characteristics of both viruses and bacteria. When acute bronchitis is caused by infection with mycoplasmas, the disease is usually severe, has a rapid onset and generates very pronounced symptoms. Some forms of mycoplasma bronchitis can even be life-threatening. Common atypical bacterial agents (mycoplasmas) responsible for causing acute bronchitis are: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Legionella.

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a long term inflammation or swelling of the bronchi.' This can result in heightened production of mucus and may be accompanied by other side effects.' To be classified as chronic bronchitis, a harsh cough and expectoration (coughing up of mucus) must occur on most days, for no less than three months of the year, for two or more years in a row.' This does not include other conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or other lung conditions that may result in the same symptoms.

Bronchitis - Inflammation of the Bronchial Tubes: - HOMEOPATHIC

What Causes Chronic Bronchitis?

Unlike acute bronchitis, where virus or bacteria is most likely the cause, there is no organism that is recognized as the cause of chronic bronchitis.' The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking.' Most long term smokers experience the symptoms of chronic bronchitis at one time or another throughout their lives.' Other causes of chronic bronchitis may be bacterial or viral infections, pollution of the environment, or the breathing of certain chemicals.' Chronic bronchitis has also been associated with various pulmonary diseases including emphysema, asthma, fibrosis, and tuberculosis.

How is Chronic Bronchitis Diagnosed? Your physician may ask you to provide your medical history, and conduct a physical examination.' If more tests need to be run, some of these may include:

Chronic bronchitis is not treated properly it may cause a number of different conditions, which is why it is so important to seek treatment for chronic bronchitis if you believe you may be suffering from it.' These include difficulty breathing, frequent and caustic respiratory infections, narrowing of the bronchi, and even disability.' There may be other walking pneumonia signs and symptoms that you are suffering from chronic bronchitis as well.' These include swelling of the feet, heart palpitation and failure, and your lips and skin may appear a bluish tint.' Many of these symptoms are common in other lung ailments, and it is important that you consult your physician for a proper diagnosis.

Pulmonary Function Tests

These tests measure the lungs' ability to trade oxygen and carbon dioxide.' These tests will probably be run using special equipment, and consist of you breathing into a tube that computes the measurements. There is sure to be a grin on your face once you get to read this article on Bronchitis. This is because you are sure to realize that all this matter is so obvious, you wonder how come you never got to know about it!

Other Tests

May include X-Ray's, CT scans or other internal imaging tests. If you have the symptoms described in this article, you are advised to consult your personal physician as soon as possible to have your condition properly diagnosed and treated.

Identifying the Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis Although chronic bronchitis may affect each person differently, there are tell-tale signs of chronic bronchitis that may help you identify the problem.' These include:

Pulse Oximetry

Measures the amount of oxygen present in the blood. -Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) - An ABG is a blood test that measures the acidity (pH) of the blood and also measures the lungs' ability to provide your blood with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from it.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, the airways that connect the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. It is a pulmonary disease and is accompanied by inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs. This infection can be caused by some infection occurring due to micro organisms which is present in the air we breathe or due to cold or flu which can aggravate the bronchial tract and can make it very severe.

Like Many Other Disease It can be Chronic as Well as Acute

If suffering from chronic bronchitis you would be suffering from persistent cough which produces sputum for a continuous three months. The result of an infection caused by the microorganisms leads to the multiplication of the same, causing irritation of your bronchial tract. With such an attack of the bacteria the tubes are swollen and start producing phlegm to fight the irritation in the throat. This is a two-way-sword because by producing phlegm it causes difficulty in breathing and one suffers from wheezing and a bad cough. It was really tough getting information about anything previously. Now with the advent of the Internet, anyone can access any information at any time of the day.

Acute bronchitis often begins with a dry and irritating cough which is due to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Some of the other symptoms are cough which brings up mucus, headache, continuous feeling of tiredness and fever, cold shivers, shortness of breath, tightness at the chest and constant wheezing are to be considered as some of the signs of having bronchitis.

• Usually affects people who are in constant presence of smokers or are chain smokers themselves.
  
• The recovery period for cold and flu take much longer time than the other people due to this condition.
  
• Having asthma can also trigger some episodes of bronchitis bouts with the shortness of breath, wheezing and other factors.
  
• If it gets worse, get it treated by a doctor which is the best thing to do, by which you will get a thorough check up done.
  

Yes and no. It is not a trick question or answer. The real answer is - it depends. Bronchitis is divided into two very different categories. First is acute bronchitis which is what most think of when they homeopathic cure for bronchitis. This type of bronchitis is caused by a viral infection called influenza and is highly contagious. It is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, and even simply breathing. The infection is caused by air borne germs. There is truly no way to protect yourself from the germs that are spread around by someone with the virus.

Unfortunately, Viral Infections can Not be Treated by Traditional Antibiotics

The person carrying the virus is contagious for as long as they are showing any symptoms of bronchitis. This includes the well known hacking cough commonly associated with bronchitis. These symptoms can also include a wet mucous discharge from the cough, fever, headache, and fatigue.

A person has acute bronchitis and it continues for longer than a week medical advice is called for. There maybe another underlying cause of the bronchitis that only a doctor will be able to find. Similarly, if you have bronchitis more often than once a year, you should seek medical advice. In most all cases bronchitis is caused by viruses; however, in some cases there may be a bacterial infection which will only be able to be treated properly by antibiotics. It has been proven that antibiotics that are over prescribed for avila universitys may actually create other infections such as yeast infections. Only a doctor will be able to tell if it is bacterial or viral.

Bright Blessings,

Ashira ***** ashira@ashira.ws Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at ***** Ignorance is bliss they say. However, do you find this practical when you read so much about Bronchitis Not Contagious?

Regardless of the type of bronchitis that you have, any cough lasting more than one week is reason to seek professional medical advice. An ounce of prevention can be priceless. If you are in a public environment where many people have access to it, avoid contact with anyone who has a hacking cough. Wash your hands frequently with an antibacterial soap. Disinfect items that may have had direct contact with anyone who has displayed a hacking cough. If someone in you home as a hacking cough, be sure to disinfect door handles, the bathrooms and use a disinfectant air spray to remove and kill any airborne viral infections floating around. Accept the way things are in life. Only then will you be able to accept these points on Symptoms Bronchitis. Symptoms Bronchitis can be considered to be part and parcel of life.

The Second Type of Bronchitis is Called Chronic Bronchitis

This form of bronchitis is not contagious. It has almost identical symptoms including the common cough and wheezing found in acute bronchitis. However, it is cause by a very different group of sources. Smoking, second hand smoke, or other air borne allergies are the culprits that cause the chronic bronchitis. Many times this form of bronchitis is the first sign of more serious respiratory conditions. Like the acute form, antibiotics will have no effect on this form of bronchitis. Make the best use of life by learning and reading as much as possible. read about things unknown, and more about things known, like about Symptoms Bronchitis.

This article on treating bronchitis with n-acetyl cysteine (NAC), you will discover: What is n-acetyl cysteine (NAC)?Why is n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) good for your bronchitis?How much n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) should you take for treating bronchitis?

• Why Is N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Good for Your Bronchitis?
  
• So, why is n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) good for your bronchitis?
  
• Well, n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements can help to dispense mucus within the respiratory track.
  
• Clinical trials found that n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements were an effective treatment for chronic bronchitis.
  
• Apart from helping to reduce mucus within the lungs, it also helped to reduce cough severity in bronchitis sufferers.
  
• So, to sum up...
  
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is amino acid, which can help to disperse mucus within the lungs.
  
• This mucus reducing action makes n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) a great supplement to take for treating bronchitis.
  

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements are generally safe to take, unless you suffer from peptic ulcers. Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh Download 'How To Beat Bronchitis Naturally' Free E-book It was really tough getting information about anything previously. Now with the advent of the Internet, anyone can access any information at any time of the day.

• How Much N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Should You Take For Treating Bronchitis?
  
• For treating bronchitis, you can take up to 500mg of n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements three times a day.
  

Glutathione is a Powerful Antioxidant

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements can help with the following health conditions: EmphysemaSinusitis Ear InfectionsLung DamageViral Illnesses There are no boundaries on countries for one to access information about Bronchitis through the Internet. All one has to do is to surf, and then the required matter is availed!

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements are good news for smokers with chronic bronchitis, n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can help to break up mucus and reduce bacteria within the lungs.

• Warning: Remember, before taking any supplements please consult your doctor.
  
• If you are suffering from peptic ulcers, do not take n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplements.
  
• Bronchitis is a pulmonary disease caused by the onset of inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages into the lungs.
  
• In bronchitis these air passages become inflamed and swollen, a thick mucus is generally produced, and is often accompanied by a wheezing cough.
  
• Symptoms may also include a difficulty in breathing, the need to constantly cough out mucus, and a mild to moderate fever.
  
• There are two forms of bronchitis, acute and chronic, which are somewhat similar and with similar causes, but run their course in different ways.
  

The Chance for Recovery is Poor for People With Advanced Chronic Bronchitis

Early recognition and treatment, however, can significantly improve the opportunity for a good outcome. Chronic bronchitis also makes you susceptible to recurrent respiratory infections. Call your doctor if you suffer any of these symptoms: coughing up blood; shortness of breath or chest pain; a high fever or shaking chills; a low-grade fever that lasts for three or more days; thick, greenish mucus; or a frequently recurring cough.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional. The results of one reading this composition is a good understanding on the topic of Bronchitis Herbs. So do go ahead and read this to learn more about Bronchitis Herbs.

To aid the body in healing, get plenty of rest, good nutrition, and drink at least 8-12 cups of water daily. Using a humidifier may also be helpful. Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and other air pollutants. Limit consumption of milk, sugar, and white flour. Some vitamins and herbs are considered helpful in treating, or preventing, acute bronchitis. Herbs, and other healing foods, which may be beneficial include: angelica, anise, caraway, cayenne, chickweed, cinnamon, clove, cumin, elecampane, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, horehound, licorice root, lovage, marjoram, mullein, mugwort, onion, oregano, pineapple, primrose, rosemary, saffron, sage, savory, slippery elm, spicy foods, stinging nettle, and thyme. Supplements which may be helpful include: beta-carotene, B complex, C, calcium & magnesium, E, and zinc. .

Acute bronchitis is characterized by a slight fever that may last for a few days to weeks, and is often accompanied by a cough that may persist for several weeks. Acute bronchitis often occurs after a cold or the flu, as the result of bacterial infection, or from constant irritation of the bronchi by polluted air or chemical fumes in the environment. It may initially affect your nose, sinuses, and throat and then spread to the lungs. For acute bronchitis, symptoms usually resolve within 7 to 10 days, however, a dry, hacking cough can linger for several weeks. Writing an article on Chronic Bronchitis was our foremost priority while thinking of a topic to write on. This is because Chronic Bronchitis are interesting parts of our lives, and are needed by us.

Chronic bronchitis, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, may include fever, nasal congestion, and a hacking cough that can linger for months at a time. As the condition gets worse, the affected person becomes increasingly short of breath, has difficulty with physical exertion, and may require supplemental oxygen. Chemical and biological irritation is believed to be the primary cause of chronic bronchitis, with exposure to cigarette smoke being the main cause. The severity of the disease is often determined by the extent and duration of exposure to tobacco smoke.

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