Bronchitis

Bronchitis

Introduction

Most of bronchitis is contracted due to virus or bacteria, transmitted from person to person through the breath. In winter, with the windows closed, it is easier that the air of the environment is loaded with germs. In addition, the excessive heating of the environment dries the air, making it harder for the body to maintain the necessary moisture to the mucous membranes performs their protective role against the invasion of harmful substances. Bronchitis is a very common disease that can occur in acute or chronic.

Acute and chronic bronchitis

Acute bronchitis can usually be the complication of a common cold or flu. A herald its arrival may be a burning sensation in the chest, which is located behind the breastbone (it is also interested in the trachea). After a few days the cough appears: at the beginning is dry and tickly and then gets deep and abundant secretion of phlegm. Following inflammation of the bronchial tubes swells and produces mucus and pus. Sometimes you have a fever (not more than 38.5 ° C and lasts 3-5 days) and breathing is difficult: early in situations of stress, then even at rest (Hueston, 1997).

The infection is caused mainly by viruses (cold and flu), but also by bacteria. May favor the onset some environmental factors, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke or cold or even some unfavorable living conditions, such as malnutrition and excessive fatigue. A suffer are three Italians out of 100. The disease, in a matter of a few days heals, unless complications supervene.

The most common symptoms of chronic bronchitis are coughing especially in the morning, with little or abundant emission of mucus, phlegm quantity, for at least three months a year and for two or more years in a row (as defined by the World of Health), more or less intense anxiety, asthma attacks. Due to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes become narrowed or clogged remain, making it difficult to breath and blood circulation in the lungs. In many cases it happens that one or more times per year occurs episodes of exacerbations with increased cough and sputum. The result is a more or less serious obstacle to the passage of air in the bronchi and lungs (Goldsobel, 2010).

Sometimes it can co-exist a variable degree of pulmonary emphysema, slow process of degeneration of lung tissue. In a patient on two chronic bronchitis leads to respiratory failure. The main causes of chronic bronchitis are cigarette smoking, the cold and wet climate, air pollution and prolonged exposure to gases, fumes and dust irritants (suffer from certain groups at risk, such as miners, firemen, and garage). Is the third leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases and cancer? 10 per cent of Italians suffer from chronic bronchitis.

Common Symptoms

The most important symptom is cough. Initially dry, evolves with phlegm production and intensifies when you lie down in the cold and in the presence of irritants such as cigarette smoke. Usually also causes pain, squeezing feeling in the chest and shortness ...