Understanding Bronchitis

+ UNDERSTANDING + BRONCHITIS WHAT IS BRONCHITIS? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NORMAL LUNG & AIRWAY INFLAMED LUNG & AIRWAY ABOUT 6.8 Americans were diagnosed with COPD in 2012. MILLION THE SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHITIS INCLUDE: V cough V production of mucus (sputum) V fatigue V shortness of breath V slight fever and chills V chest discomfort If you have acute bronchitis, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks after the inflammation resolves. CHRONIC VS. ACUTE BRONCHITIS Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring for at least two consecutive years. If you have chronic bronchitis, you're likely to have periods when your signs and symptoms worsen. At those times, you may have acute bronchitis on top of your chronic bronchitis. WHEN TO SE A DOCTOR You should see a doctor if your cough: WEEKS 100.4 F 3 (38 C) LASTS MORE THAN THREE WEEKS PREVENTS YOU FROM SLEEPING IS ACCOMPANIED BY FEVER HIGHER THAN 100.4 F (38 C) PRODUCES DISCOLORED MUCUS IS ASSOCIATED WITH WHEEZING OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH PRODUCES BLOOD 8.7 MILLION ADULTS 8.7 million adults were diagnosed chronic bronchitis in 2012. 3.7% 3.7% of adults were diagnosed with chronic bronchitis in 2012. 14.2 MILLION There are 14.2 million cases of acute bronchitis each year. SOURCES: cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/copd.htm mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/basics/symptoms/con-20014956 rightdiagnosis.com/a/acute_bronchitis/stats.htm Brought to you by: IlmmediateClinic www.ImmediateClinic.com