Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes are very delicate in nature. It connects the wind pipe to the lungs and protects the organs and tissues involved in breathing and respiratory system.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
The primary symptom of bronchitis is continuous cough.
The primary symptoms of bronchitis are:
- Swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes
- Infection and continuous coughing
- White, clear, green or grey colored sputum
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and excess fatigue
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
The symptoms in an advanced stage are:
- Scarring of the bronchial tubes
- Damage and scaring of the airways
- Less air and oxygen in the airways which leads to excess mucus build up
- Persistent infections in the respiratory tracts
The symptoms of bronchitis can be observed and can be confirmed with the help of a doctor. The wheezing sounds and X- rays are helpful in detecting the types of bronchitis. A device used to find out the lung function is spirometer. Some of the tests which are conducted to find out bronchitis are blood and oxygen saturation measurement tests.
Types of Bronchitis
The infection in the bronchial tubes can be a serious condition. There are two types of bronchitis. They are:
- Acute Bronchitis
- Chronic Bronchitis
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is developed by a mild to average infection in the lining of the bronchial tubes. It may develop after getting a common cold, flu or a viral infection. The cough may followed by a green colored phlegm. It may also involve fever, shortness of breath, discomfort, chest pain etc.
The primary causes of acute bronchitis are exposure to pollution, virus, bacteria and smoke especially of tobacco.
Chronic Bronchitis
It is followed by continuous cough which produce mucus. The patient coughs continuously in most of the days in a month. The patients suffering from chronic bronchitis may have cough continuously for two years. The intensity will be varied according to different types of climates and seasons.
The primary cause of chronic bronchitis are toxic gases, smoking, air pollution and industrial fumes.
