Bronchitis: What and How Treated

Bronchitis, or in medical terms is called bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the airways to the lungs. Usually mild bronchitis and over time can heal by itself. But in patients who are elderly and have chronic illnesses such as heart or lung problems, bronchitis can be a serious illness. 
Causes of BronchitisBronchitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and organisms resembling bacteria (mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia). Recurrent bronchitis attacks can occur in smokers and people with lung disease, and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract. Recurrent infections can result from: chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, allergies, enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children.
While irritating bronchitis can be caused by:

•     various types of dust

•     fumes from strong acids, ammonia, some organic solvents, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and bromine

•     air pollution that causes irritation of ozone and nitrogen dioxide

•     tobacco and other cigarettes.

    



Symptoms of Bronchitis
Symptoms are evident in people with bronchitis include:

1.  coughing up phlegm (sputum can be reddish)  
2. shortness of breath during exercise or mild activity
3.  often suffer from respiratory infections (eg flu)
4. asthma 
5. tired
6. swelling of the ankles, feet and right leg - left
7. face, palms or reddish mucous membranes
8. cheeks redden 
9. headache
10. impaired vision

Infeksioda bronchitis often begins with symptoms such as runny nose, (runny nose, fatigue, chills, backache, muscle aches, mild fever and sore throat. 
Coughing is usually a sign of the start of bronchitis. At first did not cough up phlegm. But 1-2 days later will issue a white or yellow sputum. Furthermore, sputum will multiply, yellow or green. 
In severe bronchitis, after most other symptoms improve, sometimes there is a high fever for 3-5 days. Shortness of breath occurs when airways become blocked. Often found wheezing breath sounds, especially after coughing.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of bronchitis is usually made based on symptoms mainly from the presence of mucus.
On examination with a stethoscope will hear a sound bronchi or respiratory abnormalities. Other tests commonly performed are:

• Lung function tests 

•  Arterial blood gases

• Chest X-rays

Bronchitis TreatmentBronchitis treatment done to reduce fever and malaise. For adult patients can be given aspirin or acetaminophen. For children, should only be given acetaminophen.
Patients are encouraged to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Antibiotics are given to patients whose symptoms indicate that the cause is bacterial infection (yellow or green sputum and fever remained high) and patients who previously had lung disease.
Trimetoprimsulfametoksazol given to adult patients, Tetracycline, or ampicillin. Erythromycin given although the cause is suspected
penumoniae mycoplasma.To the sufferer children given amoxicillin. If the cause is a virus, antibiotics are not given. If symptoms persist or recurrent or if bronkitisnya very severe then the examination of sputum culture to help determine whether the necessary replacement of antibiotics.