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 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
|