What is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. The bronchi are the branches of the trachea running towards the lungs. The inflammation is caused by a virus or bacteria. Sometimes it happens by the inhalation of irritants, such as chlorine or acid vapors.
Acute bronchitis is not the same as chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a persistent pulmonary disease, acute bronchitis is a temporary inflammation.
Acute bronchitis occurs mainly in the winter. It usually starts with a cold, flu or sore throat. Then you get a dry cough. This dry cough goes after a few days in a cough that you cough up mucus. Is that white mucus, then the cause is probably a virus. Is it green or yellow mucus then the cause is probably a bacterium.
You may also be short of breath. You will hear a beeping or buzzing sound when breathing. The anguish is often worse by cold air, irritants or strong odor.
Bronchitis usually goes away within two weeks. The symptoms disappear, but you probably will still remain a time coughing.
The treatment of bronchitis is, depending on the cause and the symptoms. If you are coughing up lots of mucus, you can use mucus-thinning agents. They are available without prescription sales at drugstores and pharmacies. Bronchitis by bacteria, you get antibiotics.
What is the treatment for acute bronchitis?
The treatment for acute bronchitis is depending on the cause and the symptoms. If you are coughing up lots of thick mucus, use of mucus-thinning agents. You cough the mucus easier on. These resources are there as cough drink, tablets and effervescent tablets. You can buy them without prescription at drug store or pharmacy.
When bronchitis is caused by bacteria, which writes the doctor for antibiotics. You must finish this Spa always completely, even if you have no more complaints. If you still keep complaints despite the antibiotics, the doctor what coughed up mucus. They can then better see which antibiotics work best for you.
The doctor thinks that the bronchitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics no sense.
Against stuffiness and wheezing can you get bronchodilators. These are drugs that you must inhale. Steaming with hot water can also help to keep the Airways open.
It is also important that you drink enough (especially in fever) and take it easy. It is very unwise to by smoking during bronchitis. It then takes longer before you're better.