Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from lungs. Broadly it is classified in two acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis: This is a short-term illness and often caused by viral infections, viruses may be spread through the air when people cough or by direct contact. Tobacco, smoke dust, air pollution are the risk factors. Acute bronchitis characterized by cough (most common symptom) with or without mucous, chest discomfort or soreness, fever, malaise, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. It can be contagious if caused by a viral infection. The infection may last from a few to ten days, but the cough may persist for several weeks. Acute bronchitis is one of the most common diseases and it occurs more often in the winter.

Chronic bronchitis: This is a long-term illness and one of the components of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder COPD. Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the air sacs in lungs. The cause of chronic bronchitis is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage lungs and air ways, cigarette smoke, exposure to other inhaled irritants smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent cough that produces mucus for at least three months in two consecutive years, increased mucus production, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort. Patient with chronic bronchitis is more susceptible for respiratory infections. The persistent coughing, mucus production, and shortness of breath associated with chronic bronchitis can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels.

Risk factors of bronchitis:

There are a several risk factors that contribute to both chronic and acute bronchitis. chronic bronchitis is strongly related to lifestyle factor. Prolonged repeated exposure to inhaled irritants is the main risk factor of chronic bronchitis.

• Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. The chemical in tobacco smoke irritates the bronchial tubes and damage cilia in the airways and it is making hard to clear the mucus and debris in the lung.

• Prolonged exposure to environmental irritants such as air pollution, dust fumes, industrial chemicals can increase the risk of chronic bronchitis.

• Repeated severe respiratory infections especially in childhood will increases the risk of chronic bronchitis.

• Conditions or treatments that weaken the immune systems increases the risk of bronchial infections that leads to bronchitis such as HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or long-term steroid uses.

• There may be a genetic predisposition to chronic bronchitis, as some individuals may have a family history of the condition.

• Chronic bronchitis is more common in older adults, especially those over the age of 45.

• Chronic heartburn and GERD can lead to the reflux of stomach acid into the airways, causing irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

• People suffering with chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more susceptible to respiratory infections like acute bronchitis.

Effect of Bronchitis on quality of life:

Bronchitis especially when it became recurrent and chronic is greatly impacting the quality of life.

1- Persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath chest discomfort effects the daily physical activities like eating talking sleeping.

2- Shortness of breath, fatigue reduces the physical activities leading to sedentary lifestyle and latter on weight gain and overall effect the well-being.

3- Constant coughing wheezing disturbed the sleep pattern leading to insufficient sleep, drowsiness decreased concentration and irritability.

4- In chronic bronchitis persistent coughing, constant effort to clearing airways and fight off from infection can lead to fatigues and decreasing energy level.

5- Some people withdraw from social activities due to embarrassment from constant coughing and fear of spreading infection. This further lead to feeling of frustration anxiety and depression.

6- In long term consequences chronic bronchitis can lead to more sever lung diseases as chronic obstructive diseases COPD that can have substantially negative effect on quality of life.

The impact of bronchitis on quality of life can vary from person to person and depend on factors like the underlying cause (viral or bacterial infection, smoking, environmental factors), the individual's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. By modification in lifestyle, proper medication and preventive measures can help to improve the quality of life.

Homeopathic treatment: Homeopathic medicine is very reliable and effective in treatment of bronchitis both acute and chronic cases without any side effects and suppression of symptoms. Here are a few homeopathic remedies that are considered in the treatment of bronchitis but please remember that these should be used under the guidance of a qualified homeopathic practitioner.

Aconite napellus, Antimonium tart,Antimonium ars, Arsenic album, Aviare,Belladonna, Bryonia, Drosera, Heper sulph,Carbo veg, Griendelia ,Ipecac, kali bich, Natrum ars, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus,Rumex crisp, Sticta pul ,Sulphur, Tuberculinum