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BRONCHITIS
Description |
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Symptoms |
Breathing - difficulty |
Breathing - wheeze |
Chest - discomfort |
Chills |
Cough |
Fatigue / exhaustion |
Fever |
Muscles - aching |
Sputum - white or clear |
Sputum – yellowish, gray, green |
Throat - sore |
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Description |
Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the
bronchi, the air passages within the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.
Generally, it is a mild and self-limiting condition. Acute bronchitis is usually
caused by viral infections and commonly occurs after an upper respiratory
infection such as the common cold or a sinus infection. Infectious bronchitis
may also be caused by bacteria. Often bacterial bronchitis follows a viral upper
respiratory infection.
Symptoms of the common cold that are followed by a cough
usually indicate acute bronchitis. Cough is a common symptom of bronchitis and
can produce mucus; if it's yellow-green, the patient is more likely to have a
bacterial infection. The cough may be dry or may produce phlegm.
The causes of bronchitis can be:
- Virus (most common).
- Bacteria.
- Inhaling gases.
- Smoke.
- Dust particles.
- Pollution
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Even after a viral infection has resolved, the irritation may continue
and cause symptoms for weeks. |
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Diagnosis
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Doctors can confirm bronchitis after some of the following
procedures and tests are done:
- Physical exam of the patient, including history (exposition to pollutions,
smokes, etc.).
- Sputum samples may be taken to check for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.
- Pulse oxymetry test using a sensor attached to the patient’s finger or toe. It
checks the oxygen levels.
- X-ray can be ordered if it is suspected that the patient has pneumonia or
another condition. |
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More information: |
Bronchitis
Treatment
Bronchitis
Healthcare Centers
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