Bronchitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Who is at risk for Bronchitis?== | ==Who is at risk for Bronchitis?== | ||
==How do I know I have Bronchitis?== | ==How do I know I have Bronchitis?== | ||
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. | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Revision as of 15:52, 28 January 2010
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What is Bronchitis?
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.
People at risk for acute bronchitis include:
- The elderly, infants, and young children
- Persons with heart or lung disease
- Smokers
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 risk for Bronchitis?
How do I know I have Bronchitis?
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.
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Bronchitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Bronchitis