04-21-2004, 12:20 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Wehret Den Anfängen!
Location: Ontario, Canada
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http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-.../bronchit.html
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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi (the air passages that extend from the windpipe into the lungs). The inflammation may be caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or the inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust. When the cells of the bronchial-lining tissue are irritated beyond a certain point, the tiny hairs (cilia) within them, which normally trap and eliminate pollutants, stop functioning. Consequently, the air passages become clogged by debris and irritation increases. In response, a heavy secretion of mucus develops, which causes the characteristic cough of bronchitis.
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ACUTE BRONCHITIS
Brief bouts of acute bronchitis often evolve from a severe cold. This disorder may also follow or accompany the flu, or it may begin without having had an infection. Acute bronchitis usually lasts about 10 days. Severe cases may also cause general malaise and chest pain.
Seeking prompt treatment is advisable to prevent serious complications. If, for example, the inflammation extends downward to the ends of the bronchial tree and into the small bronchi (bronchioles) and then into the air sacs, bronchopneumonia results. The most effective way to deal with acute bronchitis consists of the following regimen: Avoid fatigue by getting proper rest, stay indoors when the weather is cold and windy and drink large amounts of fluid to help keep the chest mucus liquified. Congestive mucus should be coughed up, so avoid the use of cough suppressants. A doctor may recommend an expectorant to help loosen the mucus. Older people should consult a doctor about whether to take antibiotics to eliminate the risk of serious bacterial infection due to lowered resistance. A doctor should also be consulted when sputum (the mucus mixed with saliva) produced by the coughing is greenish-yellow and thick rather than gray and watery, or when fever rises and chest pains become severe.
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And:
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SUMMING UP
Bronchitis--an inflammation of the bronchial tubes--may be caused by smoking, air pollution and viral or bacterial infections. Complications of a cold or flu may lead to acute bronchitis, which can be treated with bed rest and by drinking plenty of fluids and staying indoors in damp, cold weather. Suffering from a series of acute bronchitis attacks, smoking heavily or inhaling contaminated air for prolonged periods may result in chronic bronchitis. Since chronic bronchitis can be life-threatening, it should receive professional medical attention, no matter what its underlying cause.
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Two dangers: 1, that it develops into Chronic bronchitis, and 2, that she develops bronchopneumonia, from what I can see.
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Last edited by JHVH : 10-29-4004 BC at 09:00 PM. Reason: Time for a rest.
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