Read all about Acute bronchitis
On this page you can read everything about acute bronchitis. If you want to find out what your symptoms mean, or what a doctor would think of. Do the symptomcheck
What is bronchitis?
With bronchitis the tubes which distribute the air through the lungs are inflamed. This causes them to constrict and to produce more mucus. This causes the symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and coughing up mucus. Bronchitis is frequent in all age-groups, but is most frequent among the elderly.
What are symptoms of bronchitis?
- Coughing
- Coughing up mucus
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Stuffy feeling
Is bronchitis serious and should I see a doctor?
Bronchitis usually isn’t serious, but can be very bothersome. Bronchitis is most common in the elderly. Even though there are very few complications, it is important to know when to see a doctor.
Immediately contact a doctor:
- When you feel drowsy, dazed or confused.
- When fever reaches 41.5 degrees Celsius or 106.7 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cold chills
- Coughing up bloud
- Chestpain
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath in rest
Remedies for bronchitis
- Drink 2 liters or half a gallon of water everyday day
- Rest when you need to
- Avoid cold air
- Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
- Drink tea or broth
- Some honey can help with a dry cough
How does bronchitis affect my body?
Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, which means antibiotics won’t help, as those are only effective for bacteria. In the lungs the small tubes distributing the air through the lungs constrict and produce more mucus. This way the lungs try to cough up the viruses, to eliminate them from the lungs as quickly as possible.