What
is Bronchitis? Bronchitis
is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When the bronchi are
inflamed less air is able to flow to and from the lungs and a heavy mucus or phlegm
is coughed up. WHAT
CAUSES IT? While
cigarette smoke is by far the most common cause of chronic bronchitis, air pollution,
dusts and fumes are also contribute to the problem. Chronic bronchitis symptoms
worsen when air pollutants increase. Once
the bronchial tubes have been irritated over a long period of time, excessive
mucus is produced constantly, the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes thickened,
an irritating cough develops, air flow may be hampered, and the lungs are endangered. People
who smoke cigarettes are those most likely to develop chronic bronchitis. People
exposed to high concentrations of dust and fumes are also at high risk of developing
this disease. TREATMENT To
effectively control chronic bronchitis, it is necessary to eliminate sources of
irritation and infection in the nose, throat, mouth, sinuses, and bronchial tubes.
This means an individual must avoid polluted air and dusty working conditions
and give up smoking.
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