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Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the main air passages (bronchi) to your lungs. It causes a cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Coughing often brings up yellow or greenish mucus. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.

Acute bronchitis is often caused by the same viruses that cause colds. It usually starts as a sore throat, runny nose or sinus infection, then spreads to your airways. It can cause a lingering dry cough, but it usually goes away on its own.

Chronic bronchitis is one type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The inflamed bronchi produce a lot of mucus. This leads to cough and difficulty getting air in and out of the lungs. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. Breathing in other fumes and dusts over a long period of time may also cause chronic bronchitis. Treatment will help your symptoms, but chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that keeps coming back or never goes away completely.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Bronchitis on Wikipedia

'''Bronchitis''' is an inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs, that causes the cilia of the bronchial epithelial cells to stop functioning. Like many disorders, bronchitis can be acute (short-term), or chronic (long-lasting). Chronic bronchitis is a problem commonly seen in Tobacco smokings, whereas acute bronchitis is almost always caused by viral infection, as elucidated by recent studies.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis include: * Discolored mucus (white, yellow, or green) caused by peroxidase released by neutrophils * Bloody (pink, red or rust-streaked) mucus (should be evaluated by a doctor) * Shortness of breath, worsened by activity * Wheezing * Fatigue * Low-grade fever * Chest discomfort * Malaise

Acute bronchitis

*usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. *can last up to 90 days. *rarely responds to antibiotics due to its primarily viral etiology and should be treated symptomatically. *complications are more likely with comorbidities such as smoking, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a chronic obstructive respiratory disease, where the airways are obstructed by plugs of mucus.

External links

''Section'' Online medical references *[http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section6/chapter69/69a.jsp Acute bronchitis] Merck Manual of Diagnosis & Therapy *[http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual_home2/sec04/ch041/ch041a.jsp Bronchitis] The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition *[http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual_home2/sec04/ch045/ch045a.jsp Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] The Merck Manual - Second Home Edition *[http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mm_geriatrics/sec10/ch78.jsp Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] The Merck Manual of Geriatrics *[http://www.lungsonline.com/bronchitis.html Lungs OnLine - Bronchitis] *[http://familydoctor.org/677.xml] FamilyDoctor.org (American Academy of Family ...   [ Read More ]


External Resources

Buteyko Method - The training video teaches a healthy, drug-free way to manage asthma symptoms, bronchitis, emphysema and other breathing problems.

Nutraceuticals - Natural cosmetics and herbal treatments, for common complaints such as alopecia, cellulite, bronchitis the common cold and arthritis.

Ultrasonic Nebulizers - Offers asthma, bronchitis, copd and emphysema respiratory system therapy nebulizers online.

University of Iowa Family Practice Handbook - A detailed description of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Department of Veterans' Affairs - Information on chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema and death from chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.

RespHealthSite - Information for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and treatments.

American Lung Association - Description, causes, treatment, and prevention of chronic bronchitis.

Abnormal Lung Anatomy - What happens with COPD; chronic bronchitis, with links to other lung disorders.

North East Valley Division General Practice - Symptoms, causes, treatment, and risks for chronic bronchitis are discussed.

University of Maryland Medicine - Description of chronic bronchitis as well as a look at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.



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