- Most people experience bronchitis during the cold and flu season. Some possible causes of bronchitis include viruses like the flu, inhalation of dust, fumes, chemical solvents or tobacco smoke, and bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae (also the cause of pneumonia).
- Combined with the aforementioned potential causes, there are certain types of individuals who are more susceptible to developing bronchitis. These high-risk people include the elderly, smokers, people with weaker immune systems and people who are constantly exposed to lung irritants. People with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are also at much higher risk of developing bronchitis.
- Traditional bronchitis treatments include consumption of a lot of fluids, getting a lot of rest and sleep, steering clear of fumes and smoke, taking cough syrup or maybe even getting a prescription for an inhaled bronchodilator. For more serious cases of bronchitis, prescription inhaled or oral steroids might be beneficial. The steroids help to supply more oxygen and lessen inflammation.
- For individuals suffering from chronic bronchitis (much more serious than acute bronchitis), a pneumonia vaccination or annual flu shot might be a good idea as those suffering from this condition have lungs that are much more prone to infection. Those suffering from chronic bronchitis are generally advised to stop smoking and take prescription steroids to reduce airway inflammation.
- For those suffering from acute bronchitis, some helpful ways to try to treat the bronchitis at home are to use a vaporizer, keep your body warm, stay home and perhaps even to inhale steam over a sink with hot water (this helps with wheezing, fever and shortness of breath). As for chronic bronchitis, seeking professional assistance for quitting smoking is a good idea, as is staying warm, using a vaporizer, inhaling steam and making it a point to avoid dust, exhaust fumes, and people with colds at all times.
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