Blood In Phelgm With Bronchitis

SALEM COMMUNITY HOSPITAL...Looking at myths and truths about COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD is a lung disease that the lungs are damaged and breathing becomes very difficult.

"Emphysema and chronic bronchitis can cause symptoms of COPD times, in which airflow is obstructed by the lungs," said a family doctor practice Timothy Wagner, DO

Common Misunderstandings about COPD is that it occurs in former smokers, it can not be cured, and there is not much that can be done about this condition.

Myth: COPD is always caused by smoking

"Symptoms of COPD such as cough, shortness of breath, and frequent lung infections are among the most common symptoms experienced by smokers in the long term," said Dr. Wagner. "Although emphysema and chronic bronchitis are usually caused by smoking, there are other causes of COPD, as well as progressive forms of asthma or exposure to lung irritants such as gases, vapors, tobacco smoke or pollution air."

Myth: COPD occurs only in the elderly

COPD is more common in older people who have smoked for many years, but a simple test called spirometry can detect early changes of COPD among young people.

"Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that involves blowing into a small machine to measure lung capacity," said Dr. Wagner. "Even before the symptoms of COPD develop, the changes in early emphysema bronchitis may be present. If young smokers are screened with spirometry, COPD can be diagnosed in people as young as 30 or 40."

Myth: There is no treatment of COPD

Although there is no cure for COPD, it can often be managed. "How COPD can be treated depends on how advanced it is and what other diseases may be present, as if a person has COPD with heart disease or high blood pressure," said Dr. Wagner. "However, the progression of COPD can be slowed by stopping smoking and taking medications as directed, including the use of oxygen if necessary."

Myth: Do not be active with COPD

Symptoms of COPD may make some types of physical activity difficult, but the elimination of physical activity is absolutely not good for those with COPD. "Physical therapy, including breathing exercises and exercises to strengthen arms and shoulders, can be an important part of treatment," he said. "Regular exercise with a healthy diet helps muscles a person remains strong, reducing the demand placed on the lungs.

"In addition, it is never too late to stop smoking. As soon as you quit, your lung function begins to improve.Since COPD symptoms over time, changes in your lungs may have started without you knowing. The best time to quit is right now.

Bronchitis : Respiratory Disease | Crosshealth

Acute bronchitis is classified by the development of an expectorant cough without phlegm. It is usually acquired during a viral illness such as colds or flu. The virus causes about 90% of cases of acute bronchitis, bacterial infections cause less than 10%. The virus that causes acute bronchitis, infect the bronchial epithelium. This leads to inflammation and increased secretion of mucus. The most common symptom of acute bronchitis is cough. The cough is caused by increased mucus in the lungs. People with acute bronchitis are also suffering from a sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, slight fever, pleurisy, malaise, and sputum.

The treatment of acute bronchitis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for sore throat, decongestants distribution to the mucus collects in the nose to soothe and relieve a cough suppressant. Even without treatment of acute bronchitis usually goes away pretty quickly.

Chronic bronchitis belongs to the category of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is by the presence of a persistent cough for three months or more per year described. Other symptoms of chronic bronchitis, wheezing and shortness of breath can, chest pain, fever and fatigue. Slim chronic bronchitis is usually green, dark yellow, pink or orange depending causing pathogens.

Chronic bronchitis is usually a violation of recurrent respiratory tract irritants. Smoking and air pollution are causing the most common irritants that bronchitis. Pneumoconiosis due to inhalation of smoke and long lasting can also cause bronchitis.

The diagnosis of bronchitis is a physical examination in which doctors examine sounds, wheezing and breathing out. Doctors diagnose bronchitis often on a wet or dry cough, but there are a number of tests also provide evidence for the diagnosis. Some of these common tests include: pulmonary function tests (PFT), chest radiography, sputum samples, blood tests and tests of high-resolution CT (HRCT).

The treatment of bronchitis is dependent on gravity. The symptoms of acute bronchitis are usually easily resolved with prescription drugs. Smokers with chronic bronchitis are asked to give up smoking. Antibiotics, bronchodilators and corticosteroids, the liberation of chronic bronchitis and acute, if necessary.

All color guide to first aid and family health

Encyclopedia of Family Health

Fluid physiology and pathology in traditional Chinese medicine

Complete blood type encyclopedia, the A-Z reference guide for the blood type connection to symptoms, disease, conditions, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and food

Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide