ABOUT BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease. It is the inflammation of inner lining of bronchial tubes which is the main passage of air in lungs is occurred. In Ayurveda bronchitis is known as Shwasa Pranali Shoth.

TYPES OF BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis may be acute or chronic:

1. Acute bronchitis

It is also known as chest cold. It is short term illness followed by cold or viral infection. The infection may last from a few to ten days. The cough may persist for several weeks afterwards with the total duration of symptoms usually around three weeks. Some have symptoms for up to six weeks.

2. Chronic bronchitis

It is long term illness. It is defined as productive cough with excessive mucus that lasts for three months or more per year for at least two years, mostly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

CAUSES OF BRONCHITIS

Bronchitis is caused by inflammation of bronchial tubes by virus, infection.

Causes of acute bronchitis:

It is mainly caused by:

• Virus
• Exposure to substances that irritate lungs– tobacco, smoke, fumes, air pollution.

Causes of chronic bronchitis:

The main reasons of chronic bronchitis are:

• Continuous smoking
• Long term exposure of air pollution, chemicals
• Old age
• Weak immune system
• Repeated attack of acute bronchitis

SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHITIS

Common symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis include:

• Constant cough with mucus
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fever
• Wheezing
• Chest discomfort

If cough lasts for more than three months then you may consult to a doctor.

RISK FACTORS OF BRONCHITIS

There are some factors that may increase the risk of bronchitis:

• Cigarette smoke
• Exposure to irritants
• Low resistance
• Gastric refluxes

COMPLICATIONS OF BRONCHITIS

Although a single episode of bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Repeated bouts of bronchitis may indicate the signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS OF BRONCHITIS

During first few days of illness, it is difficult to distinguish between bronchitis and common cold.

There are several tests are used to diagnose bronchitis:-

Physical exam - Doctor will use stethoscope to diagnose the whistling sound during breathing.

In some cases doctor may suggest some test:-

• X-Ray - It helps to determine pneumonia or any other condition that may explain your cough.
• Sputum test - It helps to check whooping cough or any other illness.
• Pulmonary function test - This test helps to check the signs of asthma and emphysema. In this test, the flow of air into and out of lungs is checked with the help of spirometer.