Acute bronchitis is often caused by the virus. It appears frequently in cold periods, usually after an episode of respiratory virus (flu) or influenza viruses produced by one of: coronavirus, adenovirus and rhinovirus. Respiratory syncytial virus can cause acute bronchitis especially in elderly people (over 65 years). In 10% of cases, acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria. Acute bronchitis is spreading by droplet coming from infectious respiratory tree and have viral load, are eliminated by sneezing or coughing, reaching into the air and be inhaled and reach the objects. Most people with acute bronchitis do not require treatment. The second type is chronic bronchitis with frequent recurrences, with events lasting. It usually occurs in smoking people. Productive cough (with sputum) for 3 months per year, at least two years in a row suggests chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a form of obstructive lung disease.
Symptoms of acute bronchitis
* Acute bronchitis symptoms usually appear within 3-4 days after an upper respiratory tract infection, such as flu or colds.
* Cough may be the main symptom: it can be dry (without sputum) in the early days, and later becomes productive (remove phlegm) sputum is yellow or green, or can be transparent, in some cases may occur streaks of blood.
* Fever, usually around 38 ° C (a high fever may indicate pneumonia)
* General feeling of fatigue
* Burning, tightness, chest dull pain worsened by deep breath and cough
* Wheezing (whistling noise)
* Sensation of breathlessness.
In most people symptoms resolve in 2-3 weeks. However 20% of patients, cough lasts up to 4 weeks.
What complications can occur?
Most people do not develop complications. If they occur they can be:
* Pneumonia: when symptoms change (fatigue, high fever, chest pain, cluttered respiration) is the sign that was installed pneumonia.
* Recurrent bronchitis: the recurrence usually occurs in people who smoke and those with low immunity (people with AIDS, cystic fibrosis or cancer).
* Acute bronchitis can also cause damage to the bronchial wall (bronchiectasis).
* The people who have chronic respiratory diseases as asthma, acute bronchitis can cause worsening cough and wheezing.
* Children and elderly people have higher risk of developing complications.
Children with repeated episodes of acute bronchitis are investigating additional existence of foreign bodies in the airway or respiratory problems as:
* Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that is characterized by the presence of thick mucus in the airways
* Bronchiectasis, a disease in which airways are affected (they are enlarged and often infected)
* Allergies, immune system reactions to substances normally present in the atmosphere; symptoms include coughing and cluttered respiration (allergic rhinitis is a frequent manifestation of allergies)
* Sinusitis, an infection of the membranes that cover the nose and facial sinuses
* Tonsillitis, inflammation of the tonsils, small formations located in the back of the nose and throat.
Treatment of acute bronchitis is at home and includes:
* Administration of liquid, cough drops and avoid exposure to irritants
* Avoid coffee and alcohol because they favor the dehydration
* Cessation of smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke
* Rest, to allow the body to eliminate infection
* Administration of acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve symptoms (not aspirin under the age of 20 years)
* Humidification of atmosphere in the room (heat and humidity streamline mucus and make it easier to remove)
* In most patients with home treatment, antibiotics are not necessary, as most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses and antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Antibiotics can cause adverse non-profit thereof or the appearance of certain bacteria resistance to that antibiotic. Once formed will cause resistance to another antibiotic administration it was less effective.
Natural treatment for bronchitis using Calivita products
Natural treatment of bronchitis aims to fortify the body’s natural system. Calivita natural products contain many herbal supplements useful in this respect. ImmunAid, together with C Plus, Liquid C plus bioflavonoids and ZenThonic have immunostimulatory properties by increasing resilience and healing the body.
Garlic Caps and Oregano Oil have natural antibiotic properties, without the negative effects of conventional treatment with antibiotics, ultimately leading to decreased immunity by reducing antibodies. Noni Caps and Noni Liquid are also good supplements for fortifying the immune system, providing resistance to season disease. They have a strong antibacterial effect and helps protect against bacterial and viral infections. Also are helpful in relieving stress and blood pressure, thus eliminating some of the factors leading to decreased immunity.
Smokerade is a dietary supplement based on plant extracts, vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients, specifically designed for smokers, to protect the body from the negative effects of toxins in cigarette smoke, which is often involved in the development of bronchitis.