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Acute bronchitis, often following a bad cold, is characterised
by a painful, phlegm-producing cough, fever and back pain.
Caused by the spread of viral infections to the lining of the
bronchi (tubes that branch into the lungs). This lining, covered
with tiny hairs (cilia), is responsible for cleaning the air
that you inhale. When infected, these tubes become clogged with
mucus, making breathing difficult. It is a condition that clears
completely, after the infection passes. Chronic bronchitis, on
the other hand, results in permanent damage to the bronchi. This
is characterized by an excess release of mucus in the bronchi
with the sufferer coughing up mucus every day for at least 3
months. Other symptoms would include, blue skin from lack of
oxygen, less oxygen and more carbon dioxide in the blood, and a
risk to develop heart and breathing problems. Smoking, long-term
infections, air pollution and abnormal growth of the bronchi,
are factors most often responsible for chronic bronchitis.
Incubation period:
1-7 days.
Treatment:
Treatment for acute bronchitis would include bed rest in a
warm, humid room, antibiotics to fight the infection, and
sipping on hot liquids to loosen the mucus. Chronic bronchitis
often requires additional oxygen, antibiotics, bronchodilators,
to help the bronchi to relax and possibly even postural drainage
- lying with the head lower than the chest to help the lungs to
clear themselves of mucus.
Physiotherapy may also help to dislodge the mucus.
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