A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Bronchitis
Medical Questions » Bronchitis
| Name: Bronchitis |
| Also known as: Acute |
| A very common infection of the major tubes (bronchi) that carry air within the lungs. Occurs in two very different forms, acute and chronic. |
Causes of Bronchitis
Commonly caused by viruses, frequently by bacteria, and rarely by fungi. Spreads easily from one person to another on the breath. |
Symptoms of Bronchitis
Fever, chest aches and pains, headache, tiredness, and a productive cough with dark yellow or green mucus. |
Tests for Bronchitis
Diagnosed by listening to the chest through a stethoscope. In early stages, X-rays may be normal, but later shows characteristic changes. Sputum may be cultured to identify any bacteria present, and the correct
antibiotic to treat it. |
Treatment for Bronchitis
Viral infections settle with time, rest, inhalations, bronchodilators (open up the bronchi) and physiotherapy. If a bacteria is responsible, antibiotics can be prescribed.
|
Complications of Bronchitis of its treatment
Pneumonia, a bacterial infection of the smaller tubes and air pockets in the lung, may develop if treatment is delayed. |
Likely Outcome of Bronchitis
Bacterial infections settle rapidly with antibiotics. Viral bronchitis settles in about ten days in most patients, but may persist for several weeks in the elderly or debilitated. |
|
|
