Bronchitis consists of bronchial inflammation: channels that carry air from the trachea to the pulmonary alveoli. Under these conditions, the patient has persistent coughs, accompanied by discharge. this disease it can be acute or chronic. THE duration and worsening of crises is what differentiates one from the other.
Acute Bronchitis:
It is related to the inhalation of toxic, irritant or allergenic substances. It is usually quick and healing takes place completely after the individual has recovered his lungs. Bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis and Chlamydia pneumoniae they can cause acute infectious bronchitis.
It often manifests itself after a cold or flu: when the lungs are already irritated and immunity is low. Initially, malaise, increased nasal secretions and dry cough a characterize. This cough, over time, begins to eliminate mucus and may cause pain in the chest and/or ribs.
For treatment Drugs are used in order to relieve symptoms and fight the pathogen - in case of infections. Drinking liquids and avoiding the causative agent are also necessary actions.
People who already have respiratory or heart problems should be aware that complications do not develop.
Chronic bronchitis:
Also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis is characterized when the patient has tbone with mucus for at least three months a year, for two consecutive years. It is a consequence of the alteration of the bronchi mucosa due to prolonged exposure to irritating agents, such as cigarette smoking (the main cause of its manifestation). This presents with its enlarged mucus glands and inflamed bronchioles. Fever, cough with thick sputum, wheezing and labored breathing are the main symptoms in times of crisis.
In addition to removing the triggering factors for the crisis, corticosteroids or bronchodilators, together with expectorant syrups, can be prescribed by the physician.
It is noteworthy:
Cigarettes are the main triggering agent of both bronchitis and therefore, avoiding it as much as possible is necessary to prevent the disease. This goes for both active and passive smokers.
Patients with chronic bronchitis should be vaccinated annually against the flu. A single dose for pneumococci is also indicated as it prevents pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS:
Self-medication can have unwanted and unanticipated effects, as the wrong medicine not only does not cure, it can worsen your health.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
