CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

Chronic bronchitis is an illness that affects your lungs and coughing is a sign that you have something in it. It could also be a way to eliminate dangerous things in your body and lungs. Sometimes coughing may not be that bad, but if you cough too bad and it doesn’t go away like months or years, it can indicate a severe problem known as chronic bronchitis. When your lung air passage gets inflamed, and your cough is persistent for more than three months and above, it is considered to be a long-term disease that comes and goes. 

One of the main factors that could increase the risk of getting this disease is smoking. It is the number 1 cause of the disease. Other causes are including:

  • Second-hand smoke
  • Dust in your surroundings 
  • Hairspray if you work in a salon or house paint if you’re a painter or working on a particular establishment that involves painting 
  • Air pollution
  • Fire smoke

Most women are diagnosed with these diseases compared to men. This happens for ages 44 and above. When you have chronic bronchitis, you’ll have a higher risk of developing respiratory problems like flu, pneumonia, and colds than those who don’t have chronic bronchitis.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis will depend on each person. Chronic bronchitis is a condition wherein the air passage on your lungs is filled with mucus. When the tiny hairs that remove the phlegm are damaged, it will cause problems in your lungs. As the mucus becomes thick, it will be harder for you to breathe. 

The following are some of the other signs for chronic bronchitis.

  • Cough that sometimes includes mucus
  • Chest tightening 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling tired or fatigue

The symptoms of chronic bronchitis may be increased or worsen due to the changes in the weather.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing this disease will require medical help. If you experience symptoms that are listed above, you should seek medical care. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and the history if you have smoking habits. Your doctor will listen to your lungs through the help of a stethoscope, and if your doctor finds out that you have the risk, he/she may perform some tests. These tests are one of the main things to do to make sure that you have the correct diagnosis. The doctor will usually ask you to have a Pulmonary function exam to see how your lung air passage is doing, chest x-rays to picture out your lungs, and see if there is something wrong with other organs. The diagnosis will depend on your symptoms and also your medical history. It is essential to seek medical help if you have any of these symptoms. 

 

TREATMENT 

The treatment for chronic bronchitis will start with your lifestyle and medication. It is essential to know what triggers your condition to be able to help in lessening the symptoms or stopping the disease. Make sure that you are doing what your doctors say and live with a lifestyle that will make you feel better. You should stop smoking for good. Remember that your lungs have not yet fully recovered, and it will take time to heal. Some medications will help you to breathe easier and also to relieve the stress of the disease. The treatment will always depend on how severe or mild the disease is. Some patients with extreme cases may need oxygen treatment, and some may need a lung transplant to help them live longer.

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