Millions of cases occur every year due to viral infections like cold and flu, climate change, air pollution, smoke, bacterial infections, etc. These factors lead to bronchitis which is a well-known condition that affects a huge number of people living in the USA.
According to a study by the American Lung Association, it is estimated that around 10 million of the population in the USA are suffering from bronchitis. In addition, it is also found that this condition has affected young kids and adults of the age group between 44 to 65.
In today’s blog, we will discuss bronchitis, its causes, symptoms, and the best medications to treat this. Let’s start!
What is Bronchitis?
The condition in which the airway passage carries air in and out of the lungs (also called bronchial tubes) gets swelled is called bronchitis.
Bronchitis is generally caused by viral and bacterial infections. Bronchitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis lasts for between 3 to 10 days although some people may experience it for a few more weeks.
Whereas, chronic bronchitis lasts for long-term maybe three months or more years in a row. This condition is also known as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and it can remain permanent in some patients.
What causes Bronchitis?
The lower respiratory tract becomes inflamed when you are suffering from bronchitis and it makes it hard to perform everyday activities in your daily life. This condition can be caused by a combination of factors. Some of them are:
- Irritants: Irritants such as dust, fumes, pollens, etc., can irritate the lungs and cause bronchitis.
- Environmental Factors: Factors like air pollution, biomass fuels, humidity, temperature, chemicals, and so on can also trigger bronchitis.
- Viral Infection: This is the most common cause of bronchitis. For instance, colds and flu are the type of viral infections that leads to the development of bronchitis. It blocks the passage of air from the lungs and produces excess mucus.
- Smoking: According to the American Lung Association smoking is one of the main causes of bronchitis. Above 80% of the cases show that it is a risk factor for developing bronchitis.
Smoking leads to chronic bronchitis which damages the lungs causing the airway to become narrow and making it harder to breathe. You may also observe continuous coughing in patients.
- Bacterial Infection: bacteria such as Haemophilus influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, streptococcus pneumonia, and many more cause bronchitis. It occurs less as compared to viral infection.
However, this infection can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, coughing and sneezing, or by touching contaminated objects.
- Asthma: People suffering from asthma are at higher risk of developing bronchitis. It creates a blockage in the bronchial tubes that prevents air from passing into the lungs. This condition is also called asthmatic bronchitis.
Bronchitis Symptoms
In most of the patients, bronchitis affects them during the winter season. At first, maybe you feel mild symptoms but as the condition gets worse it might become more severe. Here we have mentioned some symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Wheezing
- Body ache
- Chills
- Chest congestion
- Runny nose
Top 6 Medicines For Treating Bronchitis
- Robitussin
Robitussin is a cough medicine that comes in liquid form which is used to treat bronchitis. Wyeth pharmaceutical company manufactures this drug in USA. It is also approved under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensuring the drug safety effectiveness.
Robitussin is used to relieve dry cough occurring by bronchitis. It contains an active ingredients of dextromethorpan and guaifenesin. Before taking this drug, meausure the fluid with a measuring spoon and consume it as directed on the label or prescribed by a certified doctor.
Some of the side effects of taking robitussin are rashes,
headache, drowsiness, dry mouth and others. Consult your doctor if these side effects are increasing day by day.
- Ventolin
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is the manufacturing company of ventolin. Ventolin is a bronchodilator which is used to treat narrowing of airways in the lungs. It is also approved by FDA and is available as a genric medication.
In certain situations ventolin can used to treat bronchitis, but it’s more likely to treat acute bronchitis in which people suffering from asthma or any lung diseases. It is a prescription medication means you can get this drug with prescription under a doctor. Side effects of ventolin are nervousness, leg cramps, diarrhea and many more.
- Prelone
Prelone is corticosteroid medication which is used to treat acute and chronic bronchitis. It is available in the forms of tablets, syrup and oral solutions.
Prelone is used to reduce inflammation in the airway passage which can help to provide relief from the symptoms of bronchitis.
The dosage of prelone should be consumed by patients may vary from 1 to 4 times a day and it is important to follow the doses prescribed by the doctor.
- Biaxin
Biaxin is an antimicrobials medicine which is effective in treating bronchitis caused by bacteria like streptococcus pneumonia. Abbott laboratories which manufactures this drug in USA. It is also approved by FDA.
Biaxin is used to prevent bacterial growth and replication in patient’s body. It also reduces inflammation and combats bacterial biofilms. The recommended dosage of biaxin for children is 15 mg in every 12 hours and for adults 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily in 24 hours for 7 to 14 days. Some side effects of biaxin are vomiting, rashes, abdominal pain and many more.
- Levaquin
Levaquin is an antibiotic medication which is used to treat acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). Janssen Pharmaceuticals is a part of Johnson & Johnson company manufactures this drug is in USA.
Levaquin used to kill bacteria harmful bacteria caused by chronic bronchitis. The dosage of this drug should be taken 500 mg in every 24 hours for 5 to 7 days otherwise take the doses as per prescribed by the certified doctor. Side effects of Levaquin are nerve damage, behavior damage, dizziness and so on.
Conclusion
In most people bronchitis go away in their own but some cases people may require regular treatment. You should follow some preventions so that you can get less affected by this condition. For instance, washing your hands, avoid smoking, sanitizing hand and drinking plenty of water, for more information you can visit Medixway..
If the symptoms of bronchitis are increasing day by day then consult to your healthcare provider or a physician.
