Bronchitis: Symptoms, causes, risk factors and prevention tips for THIS condition

Bronchitis is an inflammation in the lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. This condition can be acute or chronic. And people with bronchitis often have a cough with thick mucous that is discoloured. Acute bronchitis is mostly common in people, which develops from a cold or other respiratory infection. So, this condition should be treated well at the right time. But before that, it’s important to know its symptoms to spot the condition quickly and consult your doctor.

Symptoms and causes of bronchitis:

Symptoms of bronchitis

Cough

Production of mucous with a clear or white or yellowish-grey or green colour. Sometimes, there can be blood in the mucous.

Fatigue.

Shortness of breath.

Discomfort in the chest.

Mild fever and chills.  

 People with acute bronchitis may have cold symptoms like mild headache, body aches, nagging cough for several weeks.

When to consult a doctor

Consult your doctor right away, if the cough:

Lasts for more than three weeks.

Gives you sleeping problems.

Gives you fever with 100.4 F

Produces discoloured mucous and blood.

Gives you shortness of breath.

Causes of bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is mostly caused by the same virus of the flu and colds. And antibiotics cannot kill viruses, so, these medications are not useful in treating bronchitis. One of the most common causes of bronchitis is cigarette smoking. Air pollution, dust and toxic gases from the environment contribute to this condition.

Risk factors of bronchitis

These factors play a major role in contributing in this contribution:

Cigarette smoking- People who smoke are more prone to having bronchitis.

Low resistance- Low resistance power is also one of the major causes of this condition. Kids, older adults and infants are more vulnerable to this infection.

Exposure to any kinds of irritants.

Gastric reflux.

Complication

One episode of bronchitis doesn’t cause any chronic disease in us but sometimes it may lead to pneumonia in some people.          

Prevention Tips for bronchitis

Avoid Cigarettes smoking.

Get vaccinated properly.

Wash your hands.

Wear a proper mask.

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