In the event that acute bronchitis is not treated properly or necessary steps are not taken on time, a situation called Asthma Bronchitis results. Both diseases affect the lungs but in this case they occur simultaneously causing severe damage to the vital organ. The functions of the respiratory tract are hampered with the clogging of the airways by mucus.
Asthma versus Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the ‘bronchi’. It is usually a result of an infection or irritation. If it’s an infection it is often accompanied by a raised temperature and a general feeling of fatigue. Often there will be a sore throat and a cough which is usually unproductive in the earlier stages. The disease can also be caused by inhaling certain substances – such as chemical pollutants, dust, ammonia and smoke.
Bronchitis is usually mild and doesn’t often cause any long-term damage. It can, however, be more serious in elderly people, smokers or who are chronically ill with heart or lung diseases like asthma, a combination that can otherwise be referred to as asthmatic bronchitis.
Inflammation of the airways is also experienced by asthmatics, but they also get spasm, or ‘broncho-constriction’ or tightening of the muscles around the airways. This can be triggered by exercise, chemical irritants and infections which can make the initial diagnosis difficult. However, where bronchitis occurs as the only disease, Asthma recurs and is fairly easy to diagnose using lung function tests.
Causes and Symptoms of Asthma Bronchitis
Asthma Bronchitis – Causes
Common triggers of asthma bronchitis include smoke from the cigarette, air pollution from industrial emissions, and allergies of dust, pollen and mold. Others are weather changes especially cold weather, viral or bacterial infections and strong exercise or emotions e.g. laughing.
Asthma Bronchitis – Symptoms
The symptoms of asthma bronchitis are a combination of the two diseases. A patient suffering from the combination experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, a cough, chest tightness or clogging and excessive mucus production.
Asthma bronchitis is also contagious because of the fact that it is caused by a virus or bacteria, which are contagious. However, at chronic stages of the disease, it is not contagious.
Treatment for Asthma Bronchitis
When to Visit a Doctor
Should one experience the above symptoms, then medical attention from medics is inevitable. The doctor begins by recording the symptoms then going through the patient’s medical history and conducting a physical examination.
The following tests are conducted to confirm the presence of asthmatic bronchitis:
a) Spirometry, a test done to determine the functioning status of the lungs as one breathes in and out using a mouthpiece attached to a special device called the spirometer.
b) Peak expiratory flow which is used to measure the exhaling force. This test is done using a special device called the peak expiratory meter which has a mouthpiece into which the patient exhales to.
c) Chest X-ray, a radiology test that produces images of the chest. The images are used to determine the effects of cough and wheezing on the ribs.
Treatment for Asthma Bronchitis
Treatment of asthma bronchitis involves use of short-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol, that essentially help open up the airway. This however is a short term relief. Further medication involves inhaling of corticosteroids by patients, usually done together with the long-acting bronchodilators. Drugs such as leukotriene modifiers and cromolyn theophylline can also be administered to patients.
Bacterial infections that attack the respiratory system can be treated using antibiotics. Proactive measures to avoid triggers of asthma bronchitis include observing high standards of hygiene by washing bedding regularly, dusting rooms, avoid smoking and keeping pets away from the bedroom.
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