Bronchitis
Bronchitis
refers to an inflammation of the mucous membrane
lining the bronchi and bronchial tube within the
chest. It is a breathing disorder affecting the
expiratory function. In most cases, some infection
also occurs in the nose and throat. It is a disease
endemic to cold, damp climates, but may occur
anywhere.
Bronchitis
may be acute or chronic. In chronic cases, the
disease is of long duration. It is more serious than
the acute type as permanent changes may have
occurred in the lungs, thereby interfering with
their normal movements. Chronic bronchitis is more
frequent in males than in females and mortality rate
is also higher in males.
Symptoms
In most
cases of bronchitis, the larynx, trachea and
bronchial tubes are acutely inflamed. The tissues
are swollen due to irritation. Large quantities of
mucus are secreted and poured into the windpipe to
protect the inflamed mucous membrane. The phlegm,
when expelled is found to be viscid and purulent.
There is usually a higher fever, some difficulty in
breathing and a deep chest cough. Other symptoms are
hoarseness and pain in the chest and loss of
appetite. Breathing trouble continues until the
inflammation subsides and mucous is removed.
Causes
The chief
cause of bronchitis is wrong feeding habits. The
habitual use of refined foods such as white sugar,
refined cereals, and white-flour products results in
the accumulation of morbid mater in the system and
collection of toxic waste in the bronchial tube.
Another important cause of this disease is smoking.
Excessive smoking irritates the bronchial tubes and
lowers their resistance so that they become
vulnerable to germs breathed in from the atmosphere.
Other causes of bronchitis are living or working in
a stuffy atmosphere, use of drugs to suppress
earlier diseases and hereditary factors. Changes in
weather and environment are common factors for the
onset of the disease.
Treatment
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