Bronchitis

Understanding

Bronchitis is a general term for infection that causes irritation and inflammation in the bronchial area of ​​the lungs. The bronchus itself is a breathing tube pipe that is a branch of the trachea (windpipe) that carries oxygen to the lungs both right and left. In this case, the bronchial wall produces mucus as the body's defense mechanism to catch dust or other particles that can cause irritation.

When bronchitis occurs, irritation and inflammation make the bronchial wall produce more mucus. The body will then try to remove this excess mucus through a coughing mechanism.

Bronchitis is divided into two, namely:

1. Acute bronchitis, Inflammation that occurs is only temporary. Cough symptoms and excessive mucus production can last up to three weeks. This acute infection can affect all age groups. However, children under five years old are a group that is quite often affected by acute bronchitis. It is known that this disease is more common in winter and often develops after the common cold, sore throat, or flu.
2. Chronic bronchitis, It is a productive cough (lots of mucus) that can last for three months a year and at least occurs in two consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis often attacks those over the age of 40 and is sometimes associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Diagnosis

The doctor will determine the diagnosis of bronchitis based on symptoms that appear and physical examination. Symptoms of bronchitis are generally similar to lung infections or pneumonia.

Sometimes doctors also need X-ray examinations to ascertain the condition of people with bronchitis. Other tests such as lung function are needed to look for other diseases such as the possibility of COPD.

Symptoms

The main symptom of bronchitis is a continuous and productive cough whose mucus is grayish yellow or greenish in color. Other symptoms are similar to ordinary flu or sinusitis. The following symptoms may also arise:

• sore throat
• headache
• runny or stuffy nose
• chest or stomach pain and pain due to persistent coughing
• fatigue
• not too high fever
• feverish and shivering.
• in chronic bronchitis, patients often experience shortness of breath or wheezing because of the inflamed airways.
• do not underestimate the condition if there is a bloody cough or thick and dark mucous cough. Check with your doctor immediately for more appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Acute bronchitis can actually heal itself in a few weeks by drinking lots of water and getting enough rest. In addition, the treatment process sometimes needs to be helped by the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs which can also help stop inflammation.

On the other hand, treatment to cure chronic bronchitis is a process that is not easy and does not always work. Lifestyle changes are needed to relieve symptoms of chronic bronchitis, namely:

• eat healthy food so that the body has the resistance to help prevent lung infections and the entire respiratory system.
• light and regular exercise so that the body weight is stable and the respiratory system is trained. Being overweight makes the body bear the burden on the respiratory system which makes breathing more difficult. Exercise will train the lungs and heart to work more efficiently and optimally.
• avoid smoky fog environment.
• stop smoking and avoid being as passive smokers as possible. Exposure to cigarette smoke as passive smoking is now known to be as dangerous as active smokers.

Bronchitis also requires several other types of treatment, such as:

• painter
• bronchodilators, or types of drugs to improve lung capacity to absorb oxygen.
• steroids
• mucolytic (phlegm thinning drug)
• antibiotics

Cause

Bronchitis infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral bronchitis is actually more common. The virus that often causes bronchitis is generally an ordinary flu virus. This virus is found in mucus that is on someone's nose or mouth when sneezing or coughing. This viral mucus can even spread to other people around the range of one meter.

Bronchitis can also occur due to irritating materials such as smog, cigarette smoke, household products, dust grains, textiles (fabric fibers), ammonia, strong acids, and chlorine. Cigarettes are the main cause of chronic bronchitis. Even so bronchitis can attack those who are passive smokers.

Prevention

Diligent and thorough hand washing can help prevent and reduce the risk of bronchitis. Also wear an adequate nose-mouth mask if you work in a place that wastes a lot of irritant materials such as fabric fibers or smoke. The flu vaccine is also considered beneficial for reducing the risk of bronchitis.

Quitting smoking is the main recommendation. Smoke and chemicals in cigarettes can make bronchitis worse. Smoking and becoming passive smoking are high risk factors for chronic bronchitis and COPD. The earlier you avoid these two things the better the benefits for your lung health.