Bronchitis

Acute or Chronic Bronchitis
 * Term**

**Description**
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes, which carry air to and from your lungs. There are two types Acute Bronchitis and Chronic Bronchitis. Bronchitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, and other particles that irritate the bronchial tubes. Smoking is also a leading cause of bronchitis particularly chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis is very similar to asthma and is often confused for it. Below is a link to help determine the differences between the two conditions. http://www.ehow.com/how_5086846_distinguish-bronchitis-asthma.html





**Symptoms**

 * Cough
 * Production of mucus(sputum), either clear or white or yellowish gray or green in color
 * Shortness of breath, made worse by mild exertion
 * Wheezing
 * Fatigue
 * Slight fever and chills
 * Chest discomfort

**Types of Bronchitis**
__Acute Bronchitis:__ The same viruses that cause colds often cause acute bronchitis. But you can also develop noninfectious bronchitis from exposure to your own or someone else's tobacco smoke and from pollutants such as household cleaners and smog. Bronchitis may also occur when acids from your stomach consistently back up into your food pipe (esophagus) and a few drops go into your upper airway, a condition known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). And workers exposed to certain dusts or fumes may develop occupational bronchitis, an acute disease that generally clears up when exposure to the irritant stops. (Mayo, 2009)

__Chronic Bronchitis:__Sometimes inflammation and thickening of the lining of your bronchial tubes become permanent — a condition known as chronic bronchitis. You're generally considered to have chronic bronchitis if you cough most days for at least three months a year in two consecutive years. Often, however, smokers with chronic bronchitis cough almost every day, even if it's just to "clear their throats" in the morning.Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is an ongoing, serious disease. Smoking is the major cause, but air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition. (Mayo, 2009) Chronic bronchitis is most commonly caused by cigarette smoking., it can also be the result of continuous attacks of acute bronchitis. Air pollution, dust, toxic gases, and other industrial fumes are known to be responsible for the condition (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8888.php)

Patients should consider the following when treating their bronchitis.
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**Additional Information**
Bronchitis, most often all that is needed to alleviate the symptoms are rest, drinking water, OTC cough medicine. Antibiotic are not often used to treat bronchitis only if your doctor suspects that there is a bacteria infection also involved. An inhaler is often prescribed for those who have respiratory illness such as Asthma and Emphysema, to reduce the magnitude of inflammation. Physical therapy is also an option as it is used to help the patient to breathe easier and more efficient.

**Common Bronchitis Medications:**
- **OTC :** Mucinex, Bronchaid, Robitussin DM
 * - Precsription :** Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime,Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Albuterol

**Technology that can further help bronchitis treatment:**
Nebulizers are an advancement in technology that can further aide in the treatment of bronchitis and or asthma. Medical nebulizers are generally ahrd to come by and they can be a bit pricey but they do help aide in relieving your bronchitis symptoms. 

Four Ways to Treat Bronchitis According to: [|LiveStrong]

 * 1). Don't use Antibiotics**
 * 2). Use Asthmatic Inhaler Sprays**
 * 3). Treat The Problem With Cough Suppressants**
 * 4). Antibiotics For Secondary Infections**

**Web Resources**
__[|**http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bronchitis/DS00031**]__ [] Videos: [] []

- Bronchiole - Respiratory system
 * Related Terms:**
 * -** Asthma

**Citation Reference**
__[|**http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bronchitis/DS00031/DSECTION=causes]__