Bronchitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{Bronchitis (patient information)}} | |||
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Bronchitis|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Bronchitis|here]]''' | ||
{{ | {{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer | ||
==Overview== | |||
== | |||
[[Bronchitis]] is [[inflammation]] of the main air passages to the [[lungs]]. [[Bronchitis]] may be short-lived ([[acute]]) or [[chronic]], meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs. | [[Bronchitis]] is [[inflammation]] of the main air passages to the [[lungs]]. [[Bronchitis]] may be short-lived ([[acute]]) or [[chronic]], meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs. | ||
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==What causes Bronchitis?== | ==What causes Bronchitis?== | ||
[[Acute bronchitis]] generally follows a [[viral]] [[respiratory]] [[infection]]. At first, it affects your [[nose]], [[sinuses]], and [[throat]] and then spreads to the [[lungs]]. Sometimes, you may get another (secondary) [[bacterial infection]] in the [[airways]]. This means that [[bacteria]] [[infect]] the [[airways]], in addition to the [[virus]]. | [[Acute bronchitis]] generally follows a [[viral]] [[respiratory]] [[infection]]. At first, it affects your [[nose]], [[sinuses]], and [[throat]] and then spreads to the [[lungs]]. Sometimes, you may get another (secondary) [[bacterial infection]] in the [[airways]]. This means that [[bacteria]] [[infect]] the [[airways]], in addition to the [[virus]]. | ||
[[Chronic bronchitis]] is a long-term [[condition]]. People have a [[cough]] that produces excessive [[mucus]]. To be diagnosed with [[chronic bronchitis]], you must have a [[cough]] with [[mucus]] most days of the month for at least 3 months. | [[Chronic bronchitis]] is a long-term [[condition]]. People have a [[cough]] that produces excessive [[mucus]]. To be diagnosed with [[chronic bronchitis]], you must have a [[cough]] with [[mucus]] most days of the month for at least 3 months. | ||
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[[Chronic bronchitis]] is one type of [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], or [[COPD]] for short. ([[Emphysema]] is another type of [[COPD]].) | [[Chronic bronchitis]] is one type of [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], or [[COPD]] for short. ([[Emphysema]] is another type of [[COPD]].) | ||
The following things can make [[bronchitis]] worse: *Air pollution | The following things can make [[bronchitis]] worse: | ||
*Air pollution | |||
*[[Allergies]] | *[[Allergies]] | ||
*Certain occupations (such as coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling) | *Certain occupations (such as coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling) | ||
*[[Infections]] | *[[Infections]] | ||
==Who is at risk | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
People at risk for [[acute bronchitis]] include: | |||
*The elderly, infants, and young children | |||
*Persons with heart or [[lung disease]] | |||
*Smokers | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care== | |||
Call your doctor if: | Call your doctor if: | ||
*You have a [[cough]] most days or you have a [[cough]] that returns frequently | *You have a [[cough]] most days or you have a [[cough]] that returns frequently | ||
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*You feel [[short of breath]] or have [[chest pain]] | *You feel [[short of breath]] or have [[chest pain]] | ||
*You have an underlying [[chronic]] [[illness]], like heart or [[lung disease]] | *You have an underlying [[chronic]] [[illness]], like heart or [[lung disease]] | ||
==Diagnosis== | |||
The [[health care provider]] will listen to your [[lungs]] with a [[stethoscope]]. Abnormal sounds in the [[lungs]] called [[rales]] or other abnormal breathing sounds may be heard. | |||
Tests may include: | |||
*[[Chest x-ray]] | |||
*[[Lung function tests]] provide information that is useful for [[diagnosis]] and your outlook. | |||
*[[Pulse oximetry]] helps determine the amount of [[oxygen]] in your [[blood]]. This quick and painless test uses a device that is placed onto the end of your [[finger]]. [[Arterial blood gas]] is a more exact measurement of [[oxygen]] and [[carbon dioxide]] levels, but it requires a [[needle]] stick and is more painful. | |||
*[[Sputum]] samples may be taken to check for signs of [[inflammation]] or [[bacterial infection]]. | |||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
You DO NOT need [[antibiotics]] for [[acute bronchitis]] caused by a [[virus]]. The [[infection]] will generally go away on its own within 1 week. Take the following steps for some relief: | |||
*Do not smoke | |||
*Drink plenty of fluids | |||
*Rest | |||
*Take [[aspirin]] or [[acetaminophen]] ([[Tylenol]]) if you have a [[fever]]. DO NOT give [[aspirin]] to children | |||
*Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom | |||
==Where to find medical care for Bronchitis== | If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may prescribe an [[inhaler]] to open your [[airways]] if you are [[wheezing]]. If your doctor thinks that you have a secondary [[bacterial infection]], [[antibiotics]] may be prescribed. Most of the time, [[antibiotics]] are not needed or recommended. | ||
For any [[bronchitis]], the most important step you can take is to QUIT smoking. If [[bronchitis]] is caught early enough, you can prevent the damage to your [[lungs]]. | |||
==Where to find medical care for Bronchitis?== | |||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Bronchitis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Bronchitis] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|Bronchitis}}}}&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.008093,112.148438&ie=UTF8&ll=37.0625,-95.677068&spn=91.690419,149.414063&z=2&source=embed Directions to Hospitals Treating Bronchitis] | ||
== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
For [[acute bronchitis]], symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days if you do not have an underlying [[lung]] disorder. However, a dry, hacking [[cough]] can linger for a number of months. | |||
The chance for recovery is poor for persons with advanced [[chronic bronchitis]]. Early recognition and [[treatment]], combined with [[smoking cessation]], significantly improve the chance of a good outcome. | |||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
[[Pneumonia]] can develop from either [[acute]] or [[chronic bronchitis]]. If you have [[chronic bronchitis]], you are more likely to develop recurrent [[respiratory]] [[infections]]. You may also develop: | [[Pneumonia]] can develop from either [[acute]] or [[chronic bronchitis]]. If you have [[chronic bronchitis]], you are more likely to develop recurrent [[respiratory]] [[infections]]. You may also develop: | ||
*[[Emphysema]] | *[[Emphysema (patient information)|Emphysema]] | ||
*Right-sided [[heart failure]] or [[ | *Right-sided [[Congestive heart failure (patient information)|heart failure]] or cor pulmonale | ||
*[[Pulmonary hypertension (patient information)|Pulmonary hypertension]] | |||
*[[ | ==Prevention== | ||
*DO NOT smoke. | |||
*Get a yearly [[flu vaccine]] and a [[pneumococcal vaccine]] as directed by your doctor. | |||
*Reduce your exposure to air pollution. | |||
*Wash your [[hands]] (and your children's hands) frequently to avoid spreading [[viruses]] and other [[infections]]. | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001087.htm | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001087.htm | ||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
[[Category:Patient | |||
[[Category:Patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Inflammations]] | |||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | |||
[[Category:General practice]] | |||
Latest revision as of 20:44, 29 July 2020
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Bronchitis |
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Bronchitis On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Overview
Bronchitis is inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. Bronchitis may be short-lived (acute) or chronic, meaning that it lasts a long time and often recurs.
What are the symptoms of Bronchitis?
The symptoms of either type of bronchitis may include:
- Chest discomfort
- Cough that produces mucus; if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection
- Fatigue
- Fever -- usually low
- Shortness of breath worsened by exertion or mild activity
- Wheezing
Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.
Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
- Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
- Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen
- Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu)
What causes Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection. At first, it affects your nose, sinuses, and throat and then spreads to the lungs. Sometimes, you may get another (secondary) bacterial infection in the airways. This means that bacteria infect the airways, in addition to the virus.
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition. People have a cough that produces excessive mucus. To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, you must have a cough with mucus most days of the month for at least 3 months.
Chronic bronchitis is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short. (Emphysema is another type of COPD.)
The following things can make bronchitis worse:
- Air pollution
- Allergies
- Certain occupations (such as coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling)
- Infections
Who is at highest risk?
People at risk for acute bronchitis include:
- The elderly, infants, and young children
- Persons with heart or lung disease
- Smokers
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your doctor if:
- You have a cough most days or you have a cough that returns frequently
- You are coughing up blood
- You have a high fever or shaking chills
- You have a low-grade fever for 3 or more days
- You have thick, greenish mucus, especially if it has a bad smell
- You feel short of breath or have chest pain
- You have an underlying chronic illness, like heart or lung disease
Diagnosis
The health care provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Abnormal sounds in the lungs called rales or other abnormal breathing sounds may be heard.
Tests may include:
- Chest x-ray
- Lung function tests provide information that is useful for diagnosis and your outlook.
- Pulse oximetry helps determine the amount of oxygen in your blood. This quick and painless test uses a device that is placed onto the end of your finger. Arterial blood gas is a more exact measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, but it requires a needle stick and is more painful.
- Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.
Treatment options
You DO NOT need antibiotics for acute bronchitis caused by a virus. The infection will generally go away on its own within 1 week. Take the following steps for some relief:
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Rest
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have a fever. DO NOT give aspirin to children
- Use a humidifier or steam in the bathroom
If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler to open your airways if you are wheezing. If your doctor thinks that you have a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Most of the time, antibiotics are not needed or recommended.
For any bronchitis, the most important step you can take is to QUIT smoking. If bronchitis is caught early enough, you can prevent the damage to your lungs.
Where to find medical care for Bronchitis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Bronchitis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
For acute bronchitis, symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days if you do not have an underlying lung disorder. However, a dry, hacking cough can linger for a number of months.
The chance for recovery is poor for persons with advanced chronic bronchitis. Early recognition and treatment, combined with smoking cessation, significantly improve the chance of a good outcome.
Possible complications
Pneumonia can develop from either acute or chronic bronchitis. If you have chronic bronchitis, you are more likely to develop recurrent respiratory infections. You may also develop:
- Emphysema
- Right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale
- Pulmonary hypertension
Prevention
- DO NOT smoke.
- Get a yearly flu vaccine and a pneumococcal vaccine as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce your exposure to air pollution.
- Wash your hands (and your children's hands) frequently to avoid spreading viruses and other infections.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001087.htm Template:WH Template:WS