Bronchitis Prevention

You should do everything you can to stay as healthy as possible in order to function normally and to prevent illness from laying you up longer term. Millions of people are suffering from respiratory illnesses, from ordinary asthma to other serious respiratory disorders. The respiratory system is one of the most vital parts of your body, and you should take care of it if you want to live normally and productively.

Some people are more prone to respiratory illnesses, like tobacco smokers and people that live in areas with high levels of air pollution. Bronchitis is a common respiratory illness affecting people in these categories. Bronchitis is a condition where the bronchi of the bronchial tree in the lungs become inflamed. If you a smoker or live in an area with air pollution, you should learn how to prevent bronchitis.

There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usualy lasts about 10 to 12 days. It is usually caused by a virus or bacteria, but sometimes it can be caused by fungus. People with acute bronchitis have the following symptoms: constant coughing with mucus, excessive iredness, shortness of breath, chest pains, low grade fever, vibration in the chest while breathing, and sometimes a feeling of coldness.

The virus that causes acute bronchitis is the same virus as for the common cold. Usually there are no special medications for acute bronchitis if it is caused by a virus - you should just get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, avoiding drinks with caffeine and alcohol. If acute bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, most doctors recommend antibiotics and may use humidifiers for the patient's room and other preventive treatments.

Acute bronchitis is closely linked to colds and flu, and coughing will usually persist during the healing process of the bronchi of the lungs, but if coughing becomes persistent for more than a month, you should consult your doctor to verify that conditions other than bronchitis are not present that may cause coughing.

Chronic bronchitis is actually more serious than acute bronchitis, because it can last from three months to years, and can lead to more associated complications, thus requiring even more intense medical attention.

"An ounce of Prevention is better than a pound of cure", says the old adage. You really can avoid many illnesses if eat lots of raw fruits, salads and vegetables. Bronchitis can be prevented somewhat if you always wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Smokers are more likely to avoid bronchitis if they quit smoking. If you live in an area with air pollution, using an air conditioner and filters in your house can help you to breathe cleaner air at home.

Bronchitis can cause a person lots of discomfort, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of bronchitis to understand if you might get it, so you know when it is best to check with your doctor. Bronchitis is preventable, so use proper hygiene in your home and take care of your health to avoid this condition.

This article was written by Jim Krage of Healing Energy News .com.