Bronchitis

The lungs contain small air sacs called bronchi. Infection can occur in these tiny air sacs.
Bronchitis is a type of infectious disease caused by inflammation of the bronchi that connect the trachea with the lungs. It causes problems such as breathing and reduces the quality of life.

What is Bronchitis?

Inhaled air passes through the windpipe to the lungs. Inflammation of the bronchi for various reasons, which is caused by the division of the trachea into two in the lungs, is called bronchitis. Bronchitis, which is a kind of infectious disease; It may vary according to seasonal changes, age and other health problems of the person.

Types of Bronchi

• Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis, one of the most common disorders of the lower respiratory tract, usually occurs in children.
  Acute bronchitis; viral pathogens that cause diseases such as colds and flu. When the cause of acute bronchitis, which is more common than chronic bronchitis, is treated, recovery is achieved in about 10 days.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is a condition that precedes the development of COPD in long-term smokers.
  Different from acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis occurs in the presence of cough and sputum that continues for at least 3 months, especially in winter.
  Chronic bronchitis, which is not due to infection and lasts for life, is not contagious. Chronic bronchitis should be treated because it is vital, but the treatment may not take a short time as in acute bronchitis.
• Bronchitis in Children Bronchitis, which is often seen in children younger than 2 years old, can cause shortness of breath that needs to be controlled in the hospital. Since the diameter of the bronchi in children is narrower than in adults, the airways are more easily blocked by the effect of viruses, which makes it difficult for air to enter the lungs. Children who are born prematurely, have congenital heart and lung problems, are frequently exposed to cigarette smoke, and are not breastfed are more likely to develop bronchitis than other children.

Causes of Bronchitis

Bronchitis often occurs when infections of the upper respiratory tract are not treated in a timely manner. These infections can be of microbial or viral origin, or in some cases, they can occur in situations such as polluted air or exposure to allergens.
Other than that, some conditions that can cause bronchitis:

• Infectious diseases
• Inhalation of certain chemicals
• Chronic respiratory diseases
• Use of cigarettes and other tobacco products
• Exposure to cigarettes and tobacco smoke

Depending on the cause of bronchitis, the severity of its symptoms may also vary.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis:

• Cough
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Fever and chills
• Chest pain
• Feeling wheezing when breathing
• Excessive production of sputum (mucus)

Your symptoms may recur a lot, decreasing at certain times according to the inflammation.

Bronchitis Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by physical examination. Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen closely to your lungs as you breathe.
When necessary, various tests such as blood test, sputum test, respiratory test, blood gas analysis, chest X-ray or computed tomography may be requested.

Bronchitis Treatment

Because it is caused by a viral infection, antibiotic treatment may not work in all cases, but if your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, the person may be offered antibiotic treatment.
Other drugs that can be used are Cough medicines. If you have asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anti-inflammatory inhalers and other medications may be recommended.

If you have chronic bronchitis, breathing or rehabilitation is of value to you. respiratory therapies; breathing exercises. The breathing therapist will assess you how to breathe more easily and your ability to exercise in this regard and will try to increase it.

Respiratory cleaning devices are also treatment methods used to clear mucus or sputum and to remove it more easily.

Reducing the Risk of Getting Bronchitis

• If you are a smoker, stop your cigarette consumption.
• Take care not to smoke from outside and not to be in a smoky environment.
• Take care to take medication on time.
• Follow a healthy diet.
• Grip ve zatürre aşılarının güncel iddialarından emin olun.
• Avoid substances that irritate the respiratory tract.

Bronchitis Other Information

For those who have phlegm problems, mouthwash with salt water is one of the most effective applications.
The application of the mixture prepared with 1 glass of water and 2 tablespoons of salt at regular intervals both has a soothing effect on the throat infection and relieves the airway by removing the phlegm in this area.

Dry and non-humid ambient air increases the respiratory distress of the person. With natural humidifiers, you can humidify the ambient atmosphere at the ideal rate.

It is recommended to pay attention to water consumption. It is recommended to consume at least 2 liters of water per day. Water is very important for the body!

If the disease is not intervened in a timely manner and the cause of acute bronchitis is not eliminated, acute bronchitis can turn into chronic bronchitis.
Early diagnosis and early treatment of the disease is important! If appropriate treatment is not started, frequent lung infections (pneumonia), COPD and even respiratory failure may develop.

Bronchitis caused by microorganisms is contagious. Those that develop due to other causes are not contagious.

Bronchitis, Chest Diseases and Allergy Diseases Department and specialist takes care of it. If the patient is younger than 16 years of age, specialists from the Department of Pediatric Health and Diseases and Pediatric Allergy will take care of it.

We tried to give a lot of information about bronchitis. You can contact us for any questions you may have.
I wish you a happy, healthy and better breathing world.

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