Bronchitis
HCS 245
June 6, 2014
Michelle Clemons

There are two different types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. They include inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs, but have different causes and, durations. Chronic bronchitis is a lifelong condition that results from continued exposure to lung irritants, such as smoke. While they have similar names, acute and chronic bronchitis are different illnesses. A person with chronic bronchitis can have flare ups of the disease and can even get acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is a relatively short illness that results from an infection. Acute bronchitis is usually due to an infection and generally lasts for no more than a few weeks and will resolve either with treatment or on its own. In most cases, short-lived, or acute Bronchitis follows a viral respiratory infection of some kind, and usually will go away on its own within a week. It can be caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold and could be a complication of the cold or flu. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include; dry cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and fatigue. This respiratory disorder may be a short-lived disorder, or in some cases a long-lived, chronic, disorder. The order in which this disorder spreads through your body is as follows, your nose, sinuses, throat, and then spreads to the lungs. In other cases, there is a possibility you may get second bacterial infection in your airways. Some people that are at a higher risk for acute Bronchitis are, smokers, the elderly, young children, infants, and those with a heart or lung disease. Chronic bronchitis is a disease that develops in people who have lung disease and may come and go but is never gone completely. Chronic bronchitis is a chronic inflammation of the airways and is most frequently caused by smoking, but can also be a result of air pollution, exposure to chemicals or dust in the workplace and certain rare genetic diseases. Sadly, chronic bronchitis is common. At least 8.9 million people were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis in 2005 in the United States. To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, a person must have a productive cough for at least three months in two consecutive years. Some of the most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis exacerbation include; worsening cough that produces yellow or green mucous, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, increased tiredness or fatigue, and swelling of legs, ankles or feet. Chronic bronchitis results from prolonged irritation of the bronchial membrane, causing cough and the excessive secretion of mucus for extended periods. By far the most common cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking, but air pollution and industrial fumes and dust inhalation are also important irritants. Patients with chronic bronchitis are subject to recurrent infections with H. influenza and pneumococci. Pulmonary Emphysema often coexists, and over a long period of time the patient may suffer from increasing breathlessness, decreasing exercise tolerance, and, finally, total disability. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for chronic bronchitis. Most treatment is focused on making the symptoms less severe and trying to prevent further damage. Some treatments for bronchitis are cough suppressants that will help with the severity of the cough and with the bronchial irritation. A cough often lasts several weeks after you recover from acute bronchitis. A cool mist ultrasonic humidifier placed by the bed and pointing over your face can also help. Suffers should drink at least two quarts of liquid each day. Ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen are helpful for muscle aches and pains, headaches, etc. Suffers should also get as much rest as you can. A drug called a bronchodilator, either oral or through an inhaler, is available from your physician. If your physician thinks bacteria cause the infection, he can prescribe antibiotics. While Bronchitis may be treated, for some it last longer than others and then for the small few, it never really goes away. It may be hard living with someone who has bronchitis however it’s not severe if it’s treated properly. Many seek help within the first week or two after they notice that a constant cough isn’t going away. Finding out more about acute and chronic bronchitis can be found with your physician or through research online or in health magazines.

References: * Bronchitis. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/basics/definition/con-20014956 * What is Bronchitis. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/lung/understandingbronchitis-basics