What is Bronchitis
Bronchitis inflammation and infection of the tubes in the throat. Mucus gets filled in the tubes, and they swell up. Person experiences difficulty in breathing when this occurs. According to statistics, around five percent of adults suffer from bronchitis every year, and they are unable to attend work for a few days. For some people, bronchitis may even become a life long problem. Those who smoke have an increased chance of getting bronchitis.
Symptoms
A prominent symptom of bronchitis is the development of a dry cough, which is usually occurring after the flu. The cough lasts for a period ranging from a couple of days to around two to three weeks as well. The cough also is followed by the production of mucus, which yellow, green, or gray. In the case of chronic bronchitis, it is considered to be fatal, and it is not curable. The cause of bronchitis can be either flu or cold. The patient may experience the following symptoms:
- Feeling of fatigue
- Wheezing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pain and burning sensation in the chest
- Repeated coughing
Diagnosis
The doctors typically perform a physical exam to find out if the patient has bronchitis. Since the symptoms are similar to that of pneumonia, the doctor might even do an x-ray to make sure that it’s not pneumonia. The doctor asks the patient to cough and listens when the patient coughs. In some instances, a sputum culture is also done for the patient if the doctor thinks that symptoms are indicating something serious. The test in the lab helps in finding out the cause of the production of mucus in the body, whether it is due to some form of allergy a contagious bacterial infection. Spirometry is a test done to check the capacity of the lungs. It measures how much air can be withheld by the lungs and how quickly the patient can blow the air out of the lungs. This rule out whether the patient has asthma or other breathing problems in addition to bronchitis.
Treatment
Bronchitis does not necessarily mean that there will be heavy medication involved in the procedure. If the doctor is sure that the patient is not in a severe condition, he or she might tell the patient to take plenty of rest and drink fluids. Acute bronchitis has been known to get better itself without any need of medicine. A cough syrup to stop the cough is an excellent remedy when there is no further production of mucus in the body. If the patient is producing mucus, that means that the body is still trying to clear the passage of the airway, in this case, the doctor will not prescribe any cough syrup. Entyvio is a drug prescribed to patients for treatment of bronchitis. Entyvio has several side effects:
1) Pain in joints
2) Feeling fatigued
3) Nausea
4) Body pain
5) Headache
6) Sinus problems
7) Rashes or itchiness
8) Throat soreness
Cure
The cure involves consuming plenty of liquids and cut out the consumption of alcohol and caffeine, which may be harmful in such a condition. The doctor can prescribe a pain reliever. Sleeping in a room which has a humidifier is helpful. One might even take steam from a steamer to clear the airway passage. A bronchodilator is a form of medicine which is taken in, to make the airway.
Alternative treatments
Oregano oil is considered to be an antibiotic and a strong one due to which it is perfect for the treatment of the flu and the natural treatment of bronchitis. It helps in decreasing the pain and congestion in the chest, allowing the patient to breathe easily. Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and it’s consumed by crushing and swallowing it with raw honey. Onion is also a potent antibiotic which is consumed in a similar way it is chopped up and then swallowed with raw honey. Thyme is an herb which is known to treat bronchitis. Usually, people take it with tea. Tea should be consumed twice a day for best results.