Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include wheezing breath and a chronic cough. The cough is generally productive, producing mucus that is clear, yellow, or green. With chronic bronchitis, these episodes last close to a month or longer, at least three months out of the year, for at least two years in a row.
Treatment for bronchitis starts with bronchodilators, inhaled steroids that open up the bronchioles and relax and open the air passageways. It can calm the coughing and the tightness in the chest.
Steroids are often prescribed in oral form. A more aggressive treatment with more serious side effects, sometimes oral steroids are necessary to calm down the intense inflammation caused by chronic bronchitis.
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed as some flare-ups are caused by bacterial infections. Also, respiratory infections can develop as secondary to chronic bronchitis. The buildup of mucus and tightening of the airways creates a welcoming environment for bacteria.
Flu shots are important for annual maintenance and a pneumonia shot is recommended every five to seven years, as people with chronic bronchitis are much more vulnerable to pneumonia and flu. In serious cases, oxygen therapy or even surgery may be required for the treatment of chronic bronchitis.
Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information about chronic bronchitis, talk to your doctor or primary care provider.
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
