Bronchitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes that are found in the lungs. The Bronchitis patient often faces complications such as cough, difficulty in breathing, experience chest pain, and fever. Bronchitis is caused by viruses and bacteria. If the disease of Bronchitis is not treated, it evolves into pneumonia. It can be treated with medications, healthy lifestyle changes, and also with home remedies. Here, you will get all the information about Bronchitis, its types, causes, and symptoms. We’ll also discuss what is the best medicine for Bronchitis and how to diagnose it.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is the swelling of your bronchial tube, characterized by coughing. It develops after a viral infection and can also develop due to bacterial infection or dust. Many people have a higher risk of developing Bronchitis, such as old age people, individuals who have certain allergies, have a weak immune system, and many more conditions.
People who have Bronchitis have a cough that lasts for a long time or a few weeks. It is not only a disease that causes cough but can be considered as a sign of asthma or several other conditions.
Types of Bronchitis
There are two main types of Bronchitis:
Acute Bronchitis – It occurs after a cold or upper respiratory infection. It usually gets better on its own without causing any major complications. The main symptom is coughing that remains for several weeks and is similar to that of a cold and flu which is called chest cold.
Sometimes, acute bronchitis doesn’t need any treatment. People can get relief from some symptoms of it by drinking lots of fluids.
Chronic Bronchitis – It requires careful and regular treatment as it is a long-term condition that is developed due to long-term irritation or damage to your lungs and airways.
Persons who have chronic bronchitis may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People who smoke and who are regularly exposed to dust or pollution are at high risk. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis are similar to other diseases.
Causes and Symptoms
Here are the various causes of Acute Bronchitis and Chronic Bronchitis.
- Smoking
- Respiratory infection
- Exposure to irritants
- Air pollution.
Now, here are some symptoms of both Bronchitis
- Coughing
- Breathing problems
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chest congestion
- Wheezing
- Body ache.
Diagnostic Tests for Bronchitis
Chest X-ray – It can help to identify the problem in your body or help you to determine pneumonia or other conditions. It also explains whether you ever smoked or still smoking.
Sputum Culture – It is tested for allergies. It helps to look for germs that cause infection.
Pulmonary Function Test – In Spirometer, you blow the air in this device. It helps to measure how much air your lungs hold and how much time your air gets out. It helps to identify the signs of asthma and other diseases.
Blood test – This helps to look for infection or overall health. A blood test is helpful for identifying all the problems in the body.
List of Medicines for Treating Bronchitis
Azithromycin
This medicine treats various infections caused by viruses and bacteria, such as skin infections, eye infections, and respiratory infections.
People who are suffering from jaundice or liver problems, can’t use Azithromycin.
Dosage:
It comes in several strengths such as 500 mg, 250 mg, 600mg, and 200mg.
Side effects of Azithromycin:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rash on skin
- Hive
- Fever
- Vomiting
Amoxicillin
Some over-the-counter antibiotics are also prescribed by doctors to reduce the infection of the bacteria, Amoxicillin is also an antibiotic that fights with bacteria. It helps to treat different infections such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, and also infections of the ear, nose, etc. Before using Amoxicillin, tell your healthcare provider.
Dosage:
Amoxicillin is available in different strengths like 400 mg, 600 mg, 775 mg, and 875 mg.
Side Effects of Amoxicillin:
- Bleeding gum
- Pain in chest
- Dark urine
- Shortness of breath
- Itching in skin
- Yellowing in the skin
Bactrim
This contains a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, both are antibiotics and can help to treat several types of infections that are caused by bacteria.
Bactrim medicine is useful to treat urine tract infections, shigellosis, and other infections. Those who have kidney disease or liver problems cannot use Bactrim.
Dosage:
Sulfamethoxazole is available in 800 mg and trimethoprim comes in 160 mg.
For adults and children, 75 to 100 mg of Sulfamethoxazole is suggested and 15 to 20 mg of trimethoprim every 6 hours is recommended.
Side Effects of Bactrim:
- Feeling pain in joint and muscle
- Bloating
- Nosebleeds
- Feel pain while urinating
- Hair loss
- Upset stomach
Ceftin
This medicine also helps to fight bacteria. Ceftin treats other infections of the lungs, bones, throat, and skin. You should not use Ceftin if you have diabetes or other health problems.
Dosage:
It is available in the form of an oral tablet, and film-coated powder, and the recommended dose of Ceftin is 20 – 30 mg and the maximum dose is 500 – 1000 mg.
Side Effects of Ceftin:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Swelling in the body
- Lower back pain
- Yellowing of the eyes.
Avelox
It is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) that also helps in treating bacteria present in the body.
It also fights bacterial infections of the skin and stomach. But it can cause serious side effects, before using Avelox tell your doctor.
Dosage
Avelox is available in varied forms of injectable solutions and oral tablets with a dosage strength of 400 mg.
Side Effects of Avelox:
- Bleeding gums
- Blisters
- Bloating or swelling
- Blurred vision
- Bone pain
- Nausea
- Nervousness
Conclusion
Any individual can suffer from bronchitis due to his/her life habits, such as having an unhealthy diet, using an unchanged diet on a regular basis, etc. Before using the above-given medicines for treating bronchitis, ask your doctor.
When you are experiencing a cough problem for more than three weeks, or a month, you are at high risk of serious bronchitis disease condition contact your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible.