Bronchitis: difficulty breathing, a warning sign

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Extract from the article: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi caused by viral or bacterial infection, or secondary to toxic substances; the bronchus being the tube through which air circulates in the lungs. In Togo, acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children, par

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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi caused by viral or bacterial infection, or secondary to toxic substances; the bronchus being the tube through which air circulates in the lungs. In Togo, acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children, particularly bronchitis, are one of the leading causes of paediatric consultations. What are the causes, people at risk and complications of this very common illness?

There are two types of bronchitis: acute bronchitis, which is linked to an acute inflammation of the bronchial tube, with signs appearing a few days after the inflammation, and chronic bronchitis, which lasts for several months or even years.

What are the causes and risk factors?

Acute bronchitis is generally of infectious origin, especially viral (Coronavirus, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Myxovirus influenzae) and bacterial. Chronic bronchitis is due to the inhalation of irritants such as tobacco smoke, fine particles, particularly during periods of heavy pollution, and toxic gases such as insecticides and herbicides.

A number of occupations predispose to bronchitis: metallurgical or chemical industries, textile industries (inhalation of cotton dust), handling old rags, plant processing industries (manufacture of cigarette paper, insulating panels, oilcake, fertilisers), inhalation of flour by bakers or mouldy hay by farmers, mining industries, stone quarries, etc. Bronchitis can also be caused by allergies to plant, animal or mineral dusts.

Is bronchitis contagious?

Yes, acute bronchitis can be contagious, especially in the current context of the Covid-19 pandemic. But chronic bronchitis is not. The people at risk are generally: children, the elderly, asthmatics, people with pulmonary emphysema or heart failure. These last two groups of people have bronchial tubes blocked by secretions, which helps to promote infections.

How does it manifest itself?

Symptoms include fever, body aches and intense fatigue.On the respiratory side, the cough is initially dry and terse, with chest pain generally associated with the cough. Gradually, this cough will become oily and therefore productive.But the most important warning sign is the appearance of breathing difficulties.

Is bronchitis dangerous?

Acute bronchitis is generally a benign condition that heals spontaneously in a few days to a few weeks.However, it can sometimes present complications requiring medical treatment, such as bronchial superinfection and pneumopathy.But today, with the Covid-19 pandemic, you should always consult a doctor.Chronic bronchitis is particularly dangerous in its obstructive form, which is much more common in chronic smokers, since it leads to chronic respiratory insufficiency.

And if a person can no longer breathe, there is no life.

What are the possible complications?

Complications include superinfection by bacteria (pneumonia, etc.), particularly in the case of acute bronchitis, respiratory failure, and decompensation, i.e. worsening of the symptoms of other pathologies, particularly lung or heart disease, in the case of chronic bronchitis.

How can I prevent it?

Wash your hands regularly before eating to avoid swallowing any germs they may be carrying.Put your hand in front of your mouth before coughing to avoid contaminating others, or cough into a handkerchief.Wear a mask or muffler regularly, and air your flat or house regularly.The treatment for bronchitis is bed rest. Vaccinate against Covid-19, especially for people at risk. Avoid both active and passive smoking.Consult your doctor as soon as possible if the symptoms do not improve and other symptoms such as breathing difficulties appear.

Recipe 1: 1 teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoons lemon juice.Stir to combine and keep at the back of the throat for as long as possible while swallowing.

Recipe 2: Make ginger tea. Use 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 05 ground cloves and a little powdered cinnamon. Steep in 1 cup of boiling water and drink.

William O.