Bronchitis – 5 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor
1. What exactly is Bronchitis? Is this another term for Bronchiolitis?
While Bronchiolitis is a contagious viral infection that usually affects infants and children by causing inflammation of the bronchioles (smaller and thinner air tubes that the bronchii branch into inside the lungs). The virus is known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RSV or human pneumovirus or by any of the parainfluenza, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus.
2. Besides the cough, wheezing and sore throat I presently experience, is there any other symptom I can expect before the treatment begins?
Yes and it depends upon the type of Bronchitis you have been diagnosed with.
Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis: Dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, low grade fever, fatigue, pleurisy and occasional sputum due to release of mucus.
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis: Sputum-producing cough, green or blood stained sputum which is thick, wheezing, shortness of breath, low grade fever, fatigue, cough at it’s worst in the mornings, repeated bouts of colds and flu, chest tightness and a productive cough for more than 3 weeks up to 2 years.
Symptoms of Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis: Productive cough of more than 8 weeks.
3. What could be the cause of my bronchitis?
It depends upon the type of bronchitis you have contracted.
Acute Bronchitis can occur as an occupational disease when workers exposed to certain dusts or fumes. It may also occur when acids from your stomach repeatedly back flow into your food pipe and a few drops go into your upper airway or inhalation of smoke and pollutants. Acute bronchitis can be caused by any of the virus that is known to cause colds and influenza.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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