How To Manage Asthmatic Bronchitis

The respiratory system is a series of complex organs responsible for exchanging the gases needed to sustain life. The lungs sit at the center of this complex system, and their role is to supply the body with oxygen and discharge carbon dioxide. Our bodies are in constant need of oxygen, and any condition that impairs oxygen intake can be detrimental. A lack of oxygen for about four minutes causes the brain cells to die, which then results in brain damage and ultimately death.

Bronchitis and asthma are the commonest health conditions that affect the lungs. Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes (main airways) become infected hence causing inflammation. The swelling of the inner linings of the bronchial tubes impairs the free flow of air to the lungs, which triggers prolonged coughing as the body attempts to unclog the airways. On the other hand, asthma is a disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the airways. The swelling of the lung airways results in severe symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

An individual can have both asthma and bronchitis. An incidence where the two occur at the same time is known as asthmatic bronchitis. Asthmatic bronchitis is a severe condition, which can easily be managed by employing various techniques.

Use Of A Humidifier

The same pathogens that cause the common cold and flu also cause bronchitis. The resulting respiratory infection leads to nasal congestion, which makes it difficult for the affected individual to breathe through their nose or even cough. The symptoms seem to become worse when patients attempt to sleep. Having asthmatic bronchitis will cause individuals a few sleepless nights and the feeling of lousiness.

If the patient's airways have blocked due to an infection, they can make use of a humidifier or steam to relieve symptoms. Here is what happens. During winter, the outdoor air becomes dry due to the cold temperatures. The little moisture in the air getting into the house is taken away by the indoor heating systems. The dry air makes it even more difficult to blow out the mucus or cough. Additionally, the little air that gets into the lungs is already dry, thus causing more irritation on the walls of the lung airways. Adding some humidity to the indoor air by using a humidifier can help relieve symptoms of the upper respiratory infections.

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Short And Long-Acting Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators refer to substances that help relax the airways, thus increasing the flow of air to the lungs. Our bodies can produce bronchodilators on their own. But sometimes the natural mechanism may not be sufficient to open the airways of an individual with asthmatic bronchitis. In such cases, the affected person can use short and long-acting bronchodilators to relax the bronchial muscles and allow them to breathe better.

Short and long-acting bronchodilators can be used in the treatment of various respiratory conditions, including asthma, allergic reactions, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of bronchodilators to treat upper respiratory ailments. However, the use of herbal products, homeopathic, and over-the-counter medications is subject to approval by the FDA.

Short-acting bronchodilators work quickly, usually within fifteen two twenty minutes. These medications can be used in emergency cases to help in relieving shortness of breath. Long-acting bronchodilators are used to open the airways and to keep them open for a long time. They are used daily, and they help in reducing the frequency of symptoms and preventing asthma attacks.

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Inhaled Corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids are used for the long-term management of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Inhaled corticosteroids (also known as inhaled steroids) are among the most potent medications available for the management of asthma today. They are used in decreasing the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms such as chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Inhaled steroids can be delivered through three different devices. The device is the metered dose inhalers, which comprise of a pressurized container holding the medication. There is also the dry powder inhalers and nebulizer, which turn liquid medicine into a mist. Inhaled steroids function by reducing the inflammation inside the walls of the bronchial tubes. Additionally, they also block the late-phase immune reaction, which triggers the production of excess mucus when allergens attack the immune system. Inhaled steroids also mask the hyperresponsiveness of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils, mast cells, and basophils.

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Using Air Filters

In 2012, it was estimated that air pollution caused the death of about seven million individuals according to a report by EHO. New studies continue to link air pollution to the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, strokes, and cardiovascular diseases. The link between air pollution and respiratory infections such as asthmatic bronchitis is well known.

Normally, our bodies require at least 420 liters of oxygen to sustain life. Before getting the 420 liters of oxygen, the lungs will need to filter at least ten thousand liters of air. Therefore, the presence of pollutants makes it harder for the lungs to extract the oxygen needed for survival. Individuals with respiratory infections are the most affected by air pollutants.

Individuals with asthmatic bronchitis can make use of an air filter to remove allergens and other particles that trigger symptoms. Air filters function by removing tiny particles from the air that would otherwise find their way into the lungs.

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Avoid Triggers For Asthma And Bronchitis

Triggers for asthma and bronchitis vary from person to person. The symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis may also vary depending on the time of the year and the weather. If individuals inhale any substance they are allergic to, they are likely to experience unpleasant symptoms. The best way to avoid these symptoms and thus, asthmatic bronchitis, is to avoid triggers for asthma and bronchitis, such as mold, pollen, chemical lung irritants, and sick individuals.

Apart from the above, the presence of other irritants in the environment can make airways more sensitive. Examples of these irritants include wood fires, smoke from cigarettes, charcoal grills, dust and particles in the air, and strong fumes. Additionally, drastic changes in weather can also increase the sensitivity of the airways.