Bronchitis Intensity: Symptoms, origins, remedies, and additional information
Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory illness that affects many people, particularly during the flu season. It is often referred to as a 'chest cold'. This condition, which is characterised by a persistent cough, chest discomfort, and other symptoms, is usually caused by a viral infection that begins in the nose or throat and moves to the lungs and bronchial tubes if the body does not fight it off [1].
Symptoms of acute bronchitis include coughing, feeling tired, chest tightness, minor headache or body aches, sore throat, fever, and sometimes coughing up green mucus. In some cases, difficulty catching breath may occur, which requires immediate medical attention [2].
Acute bronchitis is a temporary condition that usually lasts a few weeks. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription to help manage symptoms such as headaches, body aches, and fever. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be effective for relieving these symptoms in children over 6 months and adults [3].
However, antibiotics are not effective for treating acute bronchitis since it is usually a viral infection. The standard recommendation is the management of symptoms until the infection clears [4].
To prevent and manage acute bronchitis symptoms at home, it is important to get plenty of rest, stay well-hydrated, and use methods that soothe the airways such as steam inhalation or using a humidifier. Avoiding smoking and irritants like dust or chemical fumes is crucial, as they can worsen symptoms. Gargling with salt water and using throat lozenges may help relieve throat irritation [1].
Frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and considering vaccination against influenza and pneumonia, especially for older adults or those at higher risk, are additional preventive measures. Wearing masks in environments with lung irritants or when around sick people can also reduce exposure to bronchitis-causing agents [3].
If symptoms are severe, last more than three weeks, or if there are signs of chronic bronchitis or complications, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics are generally not recommended for acute bronchitis unless a bacterial infection is confirmed [2][3][5].
Key home care and prevention steps include: - Rest adequately and drink plenty of fluids. - Use a humidifier or steam inhalation. - Avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and chemical irritants. - Gargle with salt water, use throat lozenges as needed. - Wash hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick people. - Consider flu and pneumonia vaccines. - Wear masks when around lung irritants or sick individuals. - Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist beyond a few weeks [1][2][3][4][5].
It is also important to note that frequent handwashing can help prevent acute bronchitis. A high fever over 100.4 F (38 C) is a symptom that requires medical attention for acute bronchitis. Coughing up blood is another symptom that requires immediate medical attention [1][2]. Wearing a face mask around paint, pollution, vapors, or dust can help prevent acute bronchitis [1].
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Bronchitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351807 [2] NHS. (2021). Bronchitis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bronchitis/ [3] CDC. (2021). Bronchitis. https://www.cdc.gov/lung/bronchitis/index.htm [4] WebMD. (2021). Bronchitis. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/bronchitis/bronchitis-overview [5] American Lung Association. (2021). Bronchitis. https://www.lung.org/lung-disease/bronchitis/resources/what-is-bronchitis.html
- Acute bronchitis, a common respiratory-conditions, is often associated with medical-conditions like chest colds, particularly during flu season. Science shows it's usually caused by viral infections and affects the respiratory system, moving from the nose or throat to the lungs and bronchial tubes if the body cannot fight it off.
- Holistic health-and-wellness management for acute bronchitis can include home remedies such as resting adequately, staying hydrated, using steam inhalation or humidifiers, and avoiding smoking, secondhand smoke, and chemical irritants. Gargling with salt water and using throat lozenges can also help relieve throat irritation.
- Healthcare professionals may recommend fitness-and-exercise precautions such as frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and wearing masks in environments with lung irritants or when around sick people to prevent acute bronchitis. Vaccination against influenza and pneumonia, especially for older adults or those at higher risk, can also help protect individuals against this respiratory illness.
