What is Bronchitis and How Can It Be Treated?

Bronchi are the tubes branching off the trachea that carries air to the lungs. They are the major pathway by which air reaches the alveoli and ultimately diffuses into the bloodstream. When the lining of these tubes gets inflamed, the condition is known as bronchitis.

In this article, learn more about bronchitis and how doctors will treat the condition. Get in touch with the best doctor for bronchitis in Kolkata to treat your symptoms.

Types of Bronchitis

There are typically two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic.

• Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis develops from a cold or any other respiratory infection. It may last for 10 days or more and without any lasting effects. However, the cough may last for weeks.

• Chronic Bronchitis 

Chronic bronchitis occurs due to the constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes often because of smoking or chain smoking. Moreover, if you have regular bronchitis you may develop chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is also a condition of COPD  (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Symptoms of Bronchitis

The symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis may include the following:

• Any cough that brings up mucus of a white, clear, green, or yellow colour

• Congestion in the chest, when the chest feels clogged or full

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe

The symptoms of acute bronchitis may include:

• Body aches

• Chills

• Feeling tired

• Low fever

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

When the symptoms of bronchitis subside, the cough though may last a couple of weeks after that. In case of a recurrence of a new cough, fever, or shortness of breath, you can get in touch with a qualified medical professional to rule out COVID-19.

Bronchitis Treatment

In most cases, bronchitis goes away by itself. In the event that bronchitis is caused by bacteria, your doctor may suggest antibiotics. Apart from that, here’s what you can do to treat the condition.

• Consult with a doctor

• Drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water per day as this helps to thin out the mucus and cough it up.

• Take rest

• You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. to treat pain. However, avoid giving aspirin to children.

• Use a humidifier

• Take a hot shower as this can help to loosen mucus.

• Take over-the-counter cough medication.

Cause of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is caused by the same virus that brings on the flu. But sometimes bacteria can also bring it on. Pollution, chemical fumes and dust, or smoking or living as a second-hand smoker can also precipitate chronic bronchitis.

Conclusion

Hence, to avoid making bronchitis a serious condition, take medication on time and consult with the best doctor for bronchitis in Kolkata. Doing so will certainly help you to avoid chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis can sometimes progress to pneumonia. Although bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes pneumonia affects the alveoli. Hence, to avoid the progression of the disease any further, it is advised to get in touch with a doctor.