Bronchitis is a health condition that leads to the inflammation of the airways, which then also affects the lungs. The acute stage of bronchitis is mainly caused due to a viral infection and can resolve on its own but you need special care when you suffer from chronic bronchitis.
Some of the common causes of this health complication are smoking cigarettes, bacteria, viruses, and pollution. If you also experience the symptoms of bronchitis then you contact the best chest specialist doctor in Siliguri to prevent the complications of COPD and pneumonia.
Given below are some of the common symptoms and treatment options for bronchitis.
Early Symptoms
1. Fatigue
One of the early symptoms of bronchitis is fatigue and this is caused due to a persistent cough, which also creates a barrier in the sleeping cycle. The constant feeling disturbances make you exhausted, tired, and fatigued.
2. Mucus Production
Excessive mucus or sputum production is another sign of the disorder. The mucus can be yellowish-grey, clear, green, or white. In some severe cases, you can also notice blood in the mucus.
3. Chest Discomfort
The abnormal swelling in bronchial tubes creates pressure in the lungs, which also makes it difficult to breathe normally. These breathing issues are the main cause of chest discomfort. If the pain becomes unbearable then you must seek the guidance of a pulmonologist in Siliguri.
4. Cough
The first symptom that one with bronchitis will develop is a persistent cough. The bronchi filled with mucus and the constant irritation in the airways is the main causes of coughing, which may last for several weeks.
5. Fever
In most cases, acute bronchitis is caused due to an underlying bacterial or viral infection such as flu or cold. This is why people with bronchitis also often suffer from a low-grade fever, which reduces as the underlying infection is treated.
Treatment Options
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are only prescribed by doctors when they detect that the bronchitis is caused due to a bacterial infection. Some of the common antibiotic medications include Fluoroquinolones, Extended macrolides, and Cephalosporins. You must also consider the fact that prescribing these medications is uncommon since in most cases bronchitis is caused due to a viral infection.
2. Antiviral Medications
These are the most common medications prescribed by doctors especially if your condition is associated with the symptoms of flu. The medications that can improve your overall condition are Relenza, Tamiflu, and Rapivab.
3. Cough Suppressants
If you’re suffering from a nagging cough that is causing severe distress and a poor sleep cycle then the doctor may recommend cough suppressants. Some of such effective medicines are benzonatate and dextromethorphan.
4. Bronchodilators
Shortness of breath is another distressing symptom of bronchitis. If you experience severe breathing issues then the doctor may recommend using bronchodilators to improve your condition.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
To reduce the inflammation in the bronchi, the doctor will recommend certain anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids. These medications will not only reduce inflammation but will also decrease fever and other flu symptoms.
A proper diagnosis with the assistance of the best lung specialist in Siliguri is essential before following a treatment plan. The diagnostic measures that will help in determining your condition include pulmonary function test, chest X-ray, and sputum tests to check for any allergy or infection.
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