Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lungs' major airways (bronchi), causing the bronchial tube to become swollen and inflamed. The airway passages that transport air to and from the lungs are known as bronchial tubes.
If you are diagnosed with bronchitis, you should visit one of the best multispecialty clinics in Keshav Nagar, Pune, and get the most effective bronchitis treatment in Pune.
Now, let’s know,
What is bronchitis, and how does it affect you?
Bronchitis is a disease in which the lining of the lungs' bronchial tubes becomes inflamed or swollen. When a person has bronchitis, they cough up a lot of thick mucus.
What are the types of bronchitis?
Bronchitis is commonly classified into two types:
1 . Acute bronchitis is widely known as a chest cold. Its signs usually last for three weeks.
2 . Chronic bronchitis is a chest infection. It is a severe and long-term disease mainly caused by smoking. It is a disease in which the bronchial passages are constantly irritated and inflamed.
Let's know the,
Bronchitis Symptoms
The most frequent bronchitis symptom is a cough that lasts for a few weeks long though the bronchial tube recovers. Coughing with mucus can occur in some cases.
Bronchitis can also cause the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny or blocked nose
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing sound while breathing
- Body pains associated with chills
- Low fever
What causes bronchitis?
Bronchitis is almost always caused by the same virus that causes colds and flu.
The following are the most common causes of acute bronchitis:
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infection
- Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes
The common causes of chronic bronchitis are:
- Smoking
- Air pollution
- Inhalation of toxic gases
Bronchitis Diagnosis
Any of the best general physician in Keshav Nagar, Pune, will begin the diagnosis by examining the patient's medical records, family history, and signs and symptoms. A stethoscope is used to identify any suspicious sounds in the lungs after a medical examination.
Some of the best doctor in Pune can prescribe few diagnostic tests, such as:
1 . Chest X-ray:
A chest X-ray is the most frequent, simple, accurate, and noninvasive diagnostic procedure. It uses little radiation to capture images of the lungs to detect pneumonia or other anomalies. This examination will also reveal whether the lungs are surrounded by blood or air.
2. Sputum culture:
A sputum culture helps identify the organism that infected the lungs (bacteria or virus). This examination aids the physician in developing an effective treatment plan.
3. Pulmonary function test:
PFT is also known as a lung function test, determines the lung's capacity. This test determines the ability of the lungs to retain and exhale oxygen.
The following tests can be performed as part of the pulmonary examination:
- Spirometry is a test that evaluates the airflow that enters and leaves the lungs.
- Plethysmography test determines the volume of the lungs (volume of air present in the lungs).
- Diffusion capacity test determines how well the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs function.
Now, let's discuss about the,
Bronchitis Treatment
In moderate cases, bronchitis will go away on its own within a few weeks. Since an infection mainly causes bronchitis, antibiotic treatment is ineffective. The doctor can recommend antibiotic therapy if a bacterial infection causes bronchitis.
The doctor prescribes a treatment plan that may include:
- Cough suppressants work by blocking the cough centres in the brain, thus reducing coughing.
- Mucolytics work by reducing mucus' texture and stickiness, allowing it to cough out more quickly.
- If the person has asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other allergies, inhalers, and other anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
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Bronchitis Prevention
Bronchitis can be avoided in both acute and chronic forms by taking precautions, such as:
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding exposure to lung irritants such as smoke, pollen, and gases.
- Wearing a mask when exposed to pollution.
- Washing hands to reduce microorganism exposure.
- You can take an annual flu shot and a pneumonia vaccine.
- Practising yoga and breathing exercises.
