Viral And Bacterial Infections
Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Less often, it’s caused by a bacteria.
In most cases, bronchitis is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or flu.
The virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.
These droplets typically spread about 1m. They hang suspended in the air for a while, then land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours.
Anyone who touches these surfaces can spread the virus further by touching something else.
Natural Solution Himalayan Pink Salt Aromatherapy Nasal Inhaler
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The power of the Himalayan Pink Salt, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus loosens the mucus. The inhaler formula cleans the dust, germs and gives you freedom of breathing well. You can prevent nasal congestion caused by common cold, asthma, cough.
Natural solution inhaler is easy to carry in your purse or small pocket. This non-medicated inhaler is simple to use. You can inhale the liquid through your nose or mouth.
Features:
- Non-medicated you can use when you feel nasal congestion
- Superb action against nose congestion due to cold, asthma, cough etc.
- Leaves refreshing Lavender scent after every application
- Improves sinus and bronchitis conditions positively
- Aromatherapy for regular uses
Side effects:
Its not for the kids under three years age. If you are pregnant or allergic to essential oils, avoid this inhaler. May appear discomforting to some people. Some users may face migraine issues.
How Long Does An Acute Bronchitis Cough Last
Acute bronchitis can occur in people of any age, although its not common in infants. Acute bronchitis usually lasts from 10 to 14 days, but some symptoms may last longer. For example, you may have a lingering cough that lasts for a month or sometimes longer. This is true for both children and adults.
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The Link Between Sinus Infections And Bronchitis
Reviewed by Theresa H. Care Delivery Manager & Family Nurse Practitioner
When a cold strikes, it can make you feel miserable. Whats more, a stuffed up head and nose can quickly progress leading to other uncomfortable symptoms including facial pain, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip and chest congestion. In fact its not uncommon for a cold to develop into a sinus infection or bronchitis.
But what exactly is a sinus infection? Are sinus infections and bronchitis linked? Why are some people more prone to developing sinus and bronchial infections? And, most importantly, if you have a sinus infection or bronchitis, what can you do to feel better?
What Causes Acute Bronchitis
Yes, acute bronchitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause colds and the flu. The infection typically begins in the nose, the sinuses, or the throat and spreads to the bronchial tubes, where it causes inflammation when the body tries to fight the infection, Dr. Holguin explains.
So is it possible to stop the flu or a cold from turning into bronchitis? Not necessarily, Carlos Picone, MD, chairman of the pulmonary medicine division at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC, recently told Everyday Health.
Its common for a cold or flu to be caused by an infection in the upper nasal respiratory epithelium, and theres nothing you can do to prevent that infection from spreading into the lower airways , because those airways are so close to one another, Dr. Picone explains. The two areas are very connected, he says.
Viruses can be spread through physical contact, for instance if an infected person touches an object, like a light switch or an office coffeepot, and then an uninfected person touches that same object and then touches her eyes, mouth, or nose. They can also be spread via germ-laden droplets of moisture that spread through the air as much as six feet away when an infected person sneezes or coughs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Exposure to irritants, like tobacco smoke, pollutions, dust, and fumes, can cause or exacerbate acute bronchitis, too. And in less common cases, bacteria can lead to acute bronchitis.
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When Sinusitis Or Bronchitis Strike After A Cold
Sinus infections and bronchitis both frequently accompany or follow a viral cold and involve inflammation of tissues and a high production of mucus. And all of that extra mucus has to go somewhere.
In the case of sinusitis, mucus often drains down the back of the throat leading to the dreaded symptom of post-nasal drip which can also make your throat sore and cause a persistent cough.
If you develop bronchitis, mucus collects in swollen bronchial tubes which makes you cough — a lot.
Symptoms commonly associated with bronchitis
- Cough that lasts 1-3 weeks
- Recent cold symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion or sore throat
- Mild shortness of breath or wheezing
Relief For Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchi and is common among smokers. In addition to quitting smoking, you can get relief by making some lifestyle changes, focus on your breathing, and do your best not to get colds or the flu. Some things to think about and do:
- Diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also eat meats low in fat, chicken, fish, and low-fat or nonfat dairy.
- Exercise: Along with a good diet, exercise will keep your weight in check. This is a big deal, because more weight makes it harder to breathe. Also, the muscles you use for breathing get stronger when you exercise. You can start with a slow, 15-minute walk three times a week, then do a little more at a time. Your doctor can help you come up with a plan that works for you.
- Pursed-lip breathing: This can help slow down the fast breathing that sometimes comes with chronic bronchitis. First, take a deep breath in. Then, purse your lips like you’re about to kiss someone and breathe out slowly through your mouth. This type of breathing props your airways open and may make it easier for you to clear out thick mucus with a good cough.
- Try to avoid colds and flu: Do your best to keep your distance from people who have a cold or the flu, and wash your hands often. Get an annual flu shot.
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Why Does Bronchitis Occur
Acute bronchitis is sometimes referred to as a chest cold. It can develop after an upper respiratory infection , which you probably know better as the common cold.
Bronchitis occurs when the airways that carry air to your lungs, called the bronchial tubes, become inflamed and irritated. Your bronchial tubes produce excess mucus and cause coughing when they become inflamed.
Usually acute bronchitis is not serious. If it isnt treated properly it can develop into pneumonia.
Managing Symptoms At Home
If you have acute bronchitis:
- get plenty of rest
- drink lots of fluid this helps prevent dehydration and thins the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to cough up
- treat headaches, a high temperature, and aches and pains with paracetamol or ibuprofen although ibuprofen is not recommended if you have asthma
- try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
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Soothing A Sore Throat
A common symptom of bronchitis is a sore throat. There are many ways to soothe a sore throat including:
- gargling saltwater
- drinking cool or warm fluids
- eating cool and soft foods
- sucking lozenges, hard candy, ice cubes, or ice pops. Lozenges can be purchased in pharmacies or online.
- using over-the-counter lozenges and sprays, which can be purchased online.
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers
Caregivers should not give children under 4 years anything small and hard to suck due to the risk of choking.
Natural Ways To Thin Mucus
- To thin mucus and help you cough it up more easily, drink lots of water, at least eight 250-mL glasses each day. And avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which dehydrate your system and make the mucus tougher to dislodge.
- Eat chile peppers, hot spicy salsa, or dishes prepared with cayenne pepper. Fiery foods dont just make your nose run they also thin the mucus in your lungs, helping you cough more productively.
- Drink mullein tea. Mullein, a traditional folk remedy for respiratory ailments, offers another way to clear mucus from your lungs. It contains saponins, which help loosen phlegm, along with a gelatinous mucilage that soothes raw mucous membranes. Boil a cup of water, remove from the heat, and drop in two teaspoons dried mullein leaves. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes, then strain out the wet leaves and drink the tea. You can drink up to three cups a day.
- Avoid milk products. Cows milk contains lactalbumin, which stimulates the production of mucus in the upper and lower respiratory tract and in the intestines. When humans drink cows milk, the result is excessive mucus production.
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Sinus Infection Turned Into Bronchitis
Below are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off acute bronchitis:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
- Use saline nasal spray or drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
- For young children, use a rubber suction bulb to clear mucus.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness.
What Triggers Lung Infections
Our lungs can become irritated when nerve endings in our airways come into contact with substances like dust, pollen, viruses and bacteria. Weâre exposed to these substances everywhere, but particularly when indoor air quality is poor.
The Environmental Protection Agency says that the air in homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air. This is especially problematic during the cooler months when individuals spend more time indoors than outdoors. Indoor air pollution can come from materials or substances that release gases or particles into the air like building materials, mold, mildew, dust mites, air fresheners, personal care products, laundry sheets â you name it.
When you breathe in, particles suspended in the air enter the nose, but not all of them reach the lungs. The nose is an incredibly efficient filter, and most large particles are stopped by the tiny hairs that line nose, until they are removed by forcefully blowing or sneezing.
Smaller particles, like ultra-fine particles, viruses and bacteria, are able to pass by these tiny hairs in our nose and enter the lungs. Once in the lungs, mucus is produced to capture the tiny particles, which is then moved upward and out into the throat, where it is either coughed up and spat out, or swallowed.
During this whole process, our lungs can become extremely irritated, leading to inflammation of the trachea , bronchi or sinuses .
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Is Bronchitis A Side Effect Of Covid
You can get bronchitis with almost any virus, including SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The symptoms of bronchitis can be similar to COVID-19, so make sure you get tested to know which one you have. There havent been any studies that show that COVID-19 is any more likely to cause bronchitis than other viral illnesses.
When To Seek Medical Care
baby icon Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F or higher.
See a doctor if you have any of the following:
- Temperature of 100.4 °F or higher
- Cough with bloody mucus
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks
- Repeated episodes of bronchitis
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
Acute bronchitis usually gets better on its ownwithout antibiotics. Antibiotics wont help you get better if you have acute bronchitis.
When antibiotics arent needed, they wont help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.
Other illnesses like whooping cough or pneumonia can have similar symptoms to acute bronchitis. If you have whooping cough or pneumonia, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.
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How To Feel Better
Below are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off acute bronchitis:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
- Use saline nasal spray or drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
- For young children, use a rubber suction bulb to clear mucus.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed. Remember, over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they will not cure your illness.
How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed
Bronchitis is typically caused by viral infections, similar to those that cause the common cold or the flu, and manifests in the form of constant coughing. It can also be caused by bacterial infections or exposure to substances that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, dust, or air pollution.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the most common symptom of bronchitis is mucus production. If youre constantly coughing up mucus or experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or chest tightness, you may have bronchitis. People who smoke, or those who live with someone who smokes, are at a higher risk of both acute and chronic bronchitis.
If youre not sure whether you have bronchitis, schedule an appointment with your primary healthcare provider right away, as he or she can help diagnose the issue and provide further medical advice. Heres what you can expect at your appointment:
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Treating Sinus Infections: Dont Rush To Antibiotics
Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinus infections, a frequent complication of the common cold, hay fever, and other respiratory allergies. In fact, 15 to 21 percent of all antibiotic prescriptions for adults in outpatient care are for treating sinus infections. Unfortunately, most of those people dont need the drugs. Heres why:
The drugs usually dont help.
Sinus infections can be painful. People with the condition usually have a stuffy nose combined with yellow, green, or gray nasal discharge plus pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, or teeth that worsens when they bend over. But sinus infections almost always stem from a viral infection, not a bacterial oneand antibiotics dont work against viruses. Even when bacteria are the cause, the infections often clear up on their own in a week or so. And antibiotics dont help ease allergies, either.
They can pose risks.
About one in four people who take antibiotics have side effects, such as stomach problems, dizziness, or rashes. Those problems clear up soon after stopping the drugs, but in rare cases antibiotics can cause severe allergic reactions. Overuse of antibiotics also promotes the growth of bacteria that cant be controlled easily with drugs. That makes you more vulnerable to antibiotic-resistant infections and undermines the good that antibiotics can do for others.
So when are antibiotics necessary?
How should you treat sinus infections?
The quality of evidence was generally good.
How Do You Get Bronchitis
You get bronchitis when your airways swell up and fill with mucus. You can get the viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis from close contact with someone who has them. You dont have to have bronchitis yourself to pass on a virus to someone else who ends up with bronchitis.
Other irritants, like tobacco or pollutants, are in the air you breathe.
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When To See Your Gp
Most cases of bronchitis can be treated easily at home with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and plenty of fluids.
You only need to see your GP if your symptoms are severe or unusual for example, if:
- your cough is severe or lasts longer than three weeks
- you have a constant fever for more than three days
- you cough up mucus streaked with blood
- you have an underlying heart or lung condition, such as asthma or heart failure
Your GP may need to rule out other lung infections, such as pneumonia, which has symptoms similar to those of bronchitis. If your GP thinks you may have pneumonia, you will probably need a chest X-ray, and a sample of mucus may be taken for testing.
If your GP thinks you might have an undiagnosed underlying condition, they may also suggest a pulmonary function test. You will be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures the volume of air in your lungs. Decreased lung capacity can indicate an underlying health problem.
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