Acute Bronchitis-pulmonary disorders

Acute bronchitis is very common among people with respiratory conditions. This type of bronchitis can occur in anyone, at any age. Acute bronchitis usually accompanies flu or cold and in most cases it doesn’t need medical treatment. When acute bronchitis is caused by viruses, the illness can clear on itself within a few days. Most of all the acute bronchitis cases go away in about two to three weeks. There is no special treatment necessary in cases of acute bronchitis, in almost all cases of bronchitis home treatment being the only one that is needed.

What is acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the lower respiratory passages (bronchi).

Bronchitis causes inflammation and sometimes viral or bacterial infection of the mucous membrane, bronchial tubes and other organs and tissues involved in the process of breathing. The respiratory system has many natural defenses (nostril hairs, cilia, mucus) against external irritants (airborne viruses, dust particles, chemicals, pollen). However, constant exposure to these external agents can sometimes enable airborne viruses to penetrate the natural barriers of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and infection. When external irritants reach inside the lungs, there is a high risk of complication (pneumonia). When the bronchial tubes become inflamed and irritated, they produce a surplus of mucus which clogs the airways and prevents the normal airflow.

Non-infectious factors that can lead to the occurrence of acute bronchitis are: dust, pollen, chemicals, pollutants, cigarette smoke, substances with strong, irritant odor (alcohol, paints, benzene). When acute bronchitis is solely the result of exposure to non-infectious irritant agents, the disease is usually less severe and generates mild to moderate symptoms. In this case, the medical treatment is focused towards alleviating the clinical manifestations of the disease. Patients are usually prescribed bronchodilators or cough suppressants for decongestion of the airways and rapid symptomatic relief.

There are many chemicals, fumes and particle dust that can irritate and compromise bronchial passages. None more so however than smoking. If you have someone suffering from acute bronchitis, try to keep them away from any smoking environment. They simply don't need the extra stress on an already infected pulmonary system