Bronchitis is an inflammation taking place in the bronchial tube lining. Air that you breathe in passes through the bronchial tubes. It lets air in and out of your lungs, assisting in the breathing process. With bronchitis, the bronchial tubes become inflamed and mucus-filled, causing a nagging cough.
When acute bronchitis goes away with time, and results from a virus, chronic bronchitis is a long-standing condition. Medical care and lifestyle modifications help manage chronic bronchitis effectively. Consult the best doctor in the field of pulmonology in Siliguri City.
When to see a doctor/pulmonologist
Consult your doctor if you have:
- Cough that stays for more than 3 weeks
- Cough that produces discolored mucus
- Cough that produces blood
- Cough with wheezing and breathing difficulties
- Cough with a fever of more than 100.4 F (38 C)
Signs and symptoms of bronchitis
Common signs of bronchitis include:
- Cough
- White/yellowish mucus
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort
- Wheezing sound
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
A cough lasting more than three weeks is one of the primary signs of bronchitis. Seek medical attention without procrastination. Bronchitis caused by a virus is more common. But bacteria such as Bordetella Pertussis, exposure to long-term cigarette smoke/cannabis, or pollution or gastric reflux can lead to bronchitis.
What are the complications of bronchitis?
Some major complications of chronic/long-standing bronchitis are COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), shortness of breath/dyspnea, respiratory failure, polycythaemia, acute exacerbation, coughing up blood, reactive airway disease, right-sided heart failure/Cor pulmonale, emphysema, collapsed lung, etc.
Complications of acute bronchitis can cause a weakened immune system, secondary bacterial infections, damage to the lung airways, secondary infections leading to pneumonia, middle ear infections, sinus infections, etc. Wise to see a doctor once you notice signs. Talk to the top chest specialist doctor in Siliguri for bronchitis.
Diagnosis and medical care for bronchitis
The doctor/pulmonologist orders a few tests, such as chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, blood tests, nasal swab, and sputum tests. Also, the specialist will review your medical history and examine your symptoms/discomforts. Depending on medical reports, the doctor will set your treatment plans for optimal health management/recovery.
Acute bronchitis caused by a virus doesn’t require treatment and eventually goes away without treatment. If you find any discomfort, connect with medical experts immediately. For chronic bronchitis, the doctor will prescribe meds to treat/manage cough, shortness of breath, COPD, etc.
One might need pulmonary rehabilitation for promising healing. In this medical program, experts will teach /educate patients on breathing techniques, and types of exercise to help them live a healthy life. It helps improve the symptoms of shortness of breath, quality of life, functional abilities of the lungs, etc. Speak to one of the best pulmonologists doctors in Siliguri.