Is Asthmatic Bronchitis a Chronic Condition?
Asthmatic bronchitis only develops in individuals who have asthma and is characterized by an inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. Its severity depends on several different factors including cause, duration and symptoms and, therefore, is different for each individual. No matter how severe a case of bronchitis is, treatment and prevention generally are fairly simple and attainable.
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Cause
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Asthmatic bronchitis is caused by a weakening of the bronchial lining. This weakening is caused by hyperactivity of the lungs that stems from asthma itself. The result is a susceptible immune system that is easily irritated by external agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and air pollutants. Whenever one or more of these agents enters the lungs, the individual is at risk of infection and will occasionally develop asthmatic bronchitis.
Types
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Asthmatic bronchitis is either acute or chronic. Acute asthmatic bronchitis generally runs its course in a few days or weeks and is preventable through mild antibiotics and adequate rest. Chronic asthmatic bronchitis is characterized by an infection period of several months and generally reoccurs multiple times over the course of a few years.
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Condition
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Asthma itself is considered a chronic condition. In terms of time, asthmatic bronchitis is only considered a chronic condition if it lasts around three months and resurfaces at a later date (usually within a few months). Symptoms are not usually chronic and revolve around coughing, wheezing, chest pain, mild headaches, overproduction of mucus and shortness of breath. Most symptoms will abate with time or prescription medication. In the rare occurrence that hospitalization becomes necessary, asthmatic bronchitis usually stabilizes with medical monitoring and intravenous antibiotics.
Try to monitor your asthma and the effects of medication on it as much as possible. If standard asthma medication such as inhalers begin to exhibit little effect on symptoms, you may be developing chronic asthmatic bronchitis.
Prevention/Solution
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Individuals can decrease their chances of developing asthmatic bronchitis by avoiding airborne pollutants such as secondhand smoke and sulfur dioxide. Mucus in the chest can be broken up by exposing oneself to a humid environment created through a room humidifier or hot towels.
Warning
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While asthmatic bronchitis is both preventable and treatable, symptoms should be monitored carefully to avoid further discomfort. Speak with a doctor if you experience increasing chest pain, shaking chills, fevers above 102 degrees or notice blood in your mucus. These may be indicators that your asthmatic bronchitis is developing into a more chronic condition, such as pneumonia.
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