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Chronic Bronchitis Treatments



Finding effective chronic bronchitis treatments can be very important for anyone who is suffering from this serious and ongoing health condition. Bronchitis can be either acute or chronic in nature. The acute variety of this disease will usually occur during or immediately following a respiratory infection and will generally not last for longer than three weeks or so. The ailment is defined as chronic when it lasts for a longer period of time and has a habit of returning. A number of other maladies, as well as serious lung diseases, will generally be a factor in chronic cases. Characterized by an inflammation of the air passages that are located between the lungs and the nose, patients are generally in need of relief whether the disease is of a short or continuing duration.



The demand for chronic bronchitis treatments may be connected with serious diseases of the lung such as emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, or asthma. The trachea, the windpipe, and the bronchi are generally affected by this inflammatory illness. There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments that can address symptoms and ease a patient's suffering. The acute variety of the disease can occur in a wide variety of people. Those with weak or impaired immune systems can be more susceptible. Smokers may be at higher risk as well. Anyone who works in an environment that provides regular exposure to pollutants or chemical fumes may also face a greater probability of contracting the disease. Some of the symptoms of this ailment may include a persistent cough, mucus expectoration, difficulty breathing, a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections, and a narrowing of the bronchi. In serious cases, the skin and lips may take on a blue appearance, feet may swell, and serious disability or even heart failure could occur.



Factors such as cigarette smoke can greatly exacerbate the condition. The care of a skilled physician as well as the implementation of chronic bronchitis treatments is a necessity. Diagnosing this illness may involve a variety of tests including pulmonary function tests such as spirometry evaluations and peak flow monitoring. Other tests may include an arterial blood gas test, pulse oximetry measurements, x-rays, and a computed tomography, or CT scan. A spirometry evaluation will measure lung function with a spirometer. This test will tell medical staff how effectively the lungs are able to receive air as well as use and contain it. The progress of the disease as well as the effectiveness of any chronic bronchitis treatments can be measured as well. Peak flow monitoring tells a physician how quickly and effectively a patient can blow air out of the lungs. An arterial blood gas is a blood test that provides information on how the lungs are delivering oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in the blood by placing a small sensor on the toe or fingertip. In some cases, imaging technologies may be called for. X-rays and CT scans can provide needed information as well. These tests can be extremely helpful in diagnosing the illness and determining how effective chronic bronchitis treatments have been so far.



There are a number of medications that can be effective chronic bronchitis treatments. Some of these drugs come under the category of broncholilator medications. These drugs may come in the form of aerosol sprays that are inhaled, or they may be medications that are taken orally. Drugs in this category will act to relax airways and open them up. Steroids may also be prescribed and can be effective, but are not without danger. Taken over an extended period of time, a number of harmful side effects may present themselves. Such side effects could include an increase in blood pressure, a weakening of the bones, cataracts, or even diabetes. If an infection is behind the need for chronic bronchitis treatments, antibiotics can be effective. Vaccines such as flu and pneumonia shots are a must for anyone who frequently battles this disease. Some patients may come to the point where supplemental oxygen therapy is necessary. In extreme cases, surgery may be required and damaged tissue in the lungs may need to be removed. The Bible points to God as a source of hope and extols the benefits of trusting God during youthful years and throughout life. "For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth." (Psalm 71:5)



The types of chronic bronchitis treatments that may be prescribed will generally depend on many factors including the medical history, age and health of the patient. How far the disease may have advanced is another important factor. Different patients may have varying tolerances for certain medications and therapies and a conscientious doctor will usually be able to adapt treatment to accommodate these preferences as much as possible. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases of the lung. Normal breathing is compromised for anyone who suffers from COPD. Anytime a patient regularly inhales substances that tend to irritate the bronchi, the windpipe or the trachea, they put themselves in danger of contracting a pulmonary disease such as bronchitis. Smoking is an activity that can cause great irritation to the bronchi and can lead to more serious pulmonary issues. Mold or dust in the home atmosphere can put inhabitants at risk as well. A skilled physician will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend treatment. While there is no cure for bronchitis, there are a number of steps that can be taken to provide the patient with relief.

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