Bronchitis Treatment Specialist in Honolulu, HI
Bronchitis is a respiratory tract infection, an inflammatory illness of the lungs that causes the airways to become inflamed, swell, and fill with mucus, resulting in a cough. This illness could be acute or persistent. The main causes of bronchitis are smoking, asthma, GERD, and autoimmune disorders. Bronchitis makes people cough because the immune system irritated airways causing them to enlarge and become mucus-filled. Some of the symptoms that occur when coughing attempts to expel mucus are shortness of breath, fever, and runny nose. Dr. Lee as a board-certified physician, can help you manage your symptoms and give you the proper care to feel better and breathe more easily. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 3470 Waialae Ave Ste 6, Honolulu, HI 96816.
Table of Contents:
What causes bronchitis?
What are the types of bronchitis?
How does bronchitis affect my body?
What are the symptoms of bronchitis?
Bronchitis is medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the lining of special tubes (known as bronchial tubes) that are responsible for carrying air to and from your lungs. Those with bronchitis often experience a persistent and hacking cough, accompanied by a production of thickened mucus.
Bronchitis can either be either acute or chronic, though acute cases are most common. Acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, typically improves within 7-10 days without any long-term side-effects. Chronic bronchitis, however, requires more intense medical care as it persists over the long-term and is often associated with more complex medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
If you’re struggling with chest cold, or have a case of bronchitis that’s lingering without resolve, reach out to us at Island Medical & Beauty Clinic. Out team of bronchitis treatment specialists would be happy to provide the care you need to get back on the road to health. Contact us today for more information or book in online if you’re ready to schedule an appointment.
Bronchitis occurs when your airways become inflamed, swell up, and fill with mucus. This most commonly happens as a result of contracting a virus, however, anything that causes irritation in your airways can cause it.
The most common causes of bronchitis are:
– Viruses: Such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and coronavirus.
– Bacteria: Such as Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumonia, and Mycoplasma pneumonia.
– Air pollution.
– Exposure to airborne chemicals.
– Smoking cigarettes.
– Smoking marijuana.
There are two distinctive types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
Most cases of bronchitis are acute, caused by a viral infection that dissipates on its own after 7-10 days (though the cough may linger a bit longer). Most cases of acute bronchitis don’t require medical treatment, though this varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and any other medical conditions that you may have.
Chronic bronchitis is much more persistent, with its sufferers’ experiencing symptoms of coughing and mucus production for at least 3 months out of the year, for at least two years. It may be a stand alone condition or it can also be sign of another medication condition taking place, such aschronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
When your bronchial tubes are irritated, your immune system goes on the defence and causes them to swell up and fill with mucus. Coughing is a by-product of this, your body’s way of trying to clear these mucus stores out, and it will remain for as long as there’s build up and inflammation in your airways. On average, with acute bronchitis, you can expect the cough to last for 1-3 weeks.
In addition to this, your body may also experience:
– Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
– Fever.
– Runny nose.
– Tiredness (fatigue).
– Wheezing
While acute bronchitis will usually clear up on its own after a week or so, more severe cases may require medical intervention. If your symptoms aren’t clearing up after a few weeks, are getting worse, or are severely impacting your day-to-day life, book in to see your family doctor at your earliest convenience.
For those with acute or chronic bronchitis, they may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
– Body aches.
– Chest pressure and/or discomfort.
– Chills.
– Cough
– Discolored mucus (clear, white, yellowish, gray, green)
– Fatigue.
– Mild headache.
– Mucus production.
– Shortness of breath.
– Slight fever.
When it comes to acute bronchitis, your symptoms will likely improve in 7-10 days, though the cough is usually be the last to go. In contrast, if you have chronic bronchitis then you’re likely to have longer periods where your symptoms worsen, with reoccurring bouts of this happening consistently over a at least a two-year time frame.
If you’re looking for safe and effective medical treatment for your bronchitis, contact us at Island Medical & Beauty Clinic. Our team offers comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment to ensure you get the top-tier service you need to resolve your symptoms. Book in with us online to schedule an appointment or feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We are conveniently located at 3470 Waialae Ave Ste 6, Honolulu, HI 96816. We serve patients from Honolulu HI, Halawa HI, Aiea HI, Village Park HI, Pearl City HI, and surrounding areas.
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