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Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages between the nose and the lungs, including the windpipe or trachea and the larger air tubes of the lung that bring air in from the trachea (bronchi), restricting air flow to and from the lungs. Acute, or short term, bronchitis is usually a viral infection, but can also be a bacterial infection and can heal without complications. Chronic, or long term, bronchitis is a sign of serious lung disease that may be slowed, but cannot be cured.
500 Questions
What is waggoners disease?
Asked by Wiki User
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/wegener_granulomatosis/hic_wegeners_granulomatosis.aspx
What is Wegener's granulomatosis?
Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disease of uncertain cause. It is characterized by inflammation in a variety of tissues, including blood vessels (vasculitis). Inflammation damages vital organs of the body.
Wegener's granulomatosis primarily affects the upper respiratory tract [sinuses, nose, trachea (upper air tube)], lungs, and kidneys. Other organ systems that can be affected by the disease include the nervous system, ears, eyes, heart, and skin.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis and their severity vary among patients. General signs of the disease may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
Most patients first notice symptoms in the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent runny nose (also called rhinorrhea) or the formation of nasal crusts and sores
- Nasal or facial pain
- Nose bleeds or unusual nasal discharge, caused by inflammation of the nose or sinuses
- Cough that might include bloody phlegm caused by upper airway or lower airway (lung) inflammation
- Chest discomfort
- Middle ear inflammation (also called otitis media), pain, or hearing loss
- Voice change, wheezing, or shortness of breath caused by inflammation of the trachea
Other possible symptoms include:
- Eye inflammation
- Joint pain (arthritis) or muscle pain
- Rashes or skin sores
- Kidney inflammation*
*Although kidney inflammation is common, it is not usually associated with symptoms, such as pain.
How is it diagnosed?
Wegener's granulomatosis has symptoms similar to a number of other disorders, which may make it difficult to diagnose. However, for the most effective and successful treatment, early diagnosis is critical.
It is the combination of symptoms, results of physical examinations, laboratory tests, X-rays, and sometimes a biopsy (sample) of affected tissue (skin, nose, sinus, lung, or kidney) that together prove the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. Following treatment, these factors are also critical in judging whether the disease is active or in remission.
A positive blood test for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) can support a suspected diagnosis of the disease. However, this blood test does not by itself prove the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis or determine disease activity.
Other tests that influence a doctor's judgment of disease activity include:
- Measures of anemia (red blood cell count)
- Sedimentation rate (the speed in which blood cells settle in a vertical glass tube) Urinalysis
- Chest or sinus X-rays
Sometimes the lungs may become abnormal even though there are no symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. Therefore, it is important to periodically have lung X-rays if you are diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis - even if you don't have any symptoms of lung disease.
Can you drink alcohol when you have bronchitis?
Asked by Wiki User
Not a good idea. Alcohol is a diuretic, and alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, which greatly complicates bronchitis.
Can chronic bronchitis cause lung scarring?
Asked by Wiki User
My doctor said my xrays showing lung scarring would have been caused by 20 years of marijuana smoking.
I got pneumonia and asthma developed after that - they doctors said scarred lungs from long-tem marijuana use has made my lungs weaker and therefore caused the asthma o develop after the pneumonia.
Coughing up green mucus?
Asked by Wiki User
Yellow or clear mucus is ok but green mucus could mean infection you should go to the doctor right away. But green stool is caused by eating green products ei salads, green beans and anything else that is that color.
How does chronic bronchitis affect the respiatory system?
Asked by Wiki User
Emphysema is a COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that has serious and permanent changes to the air sacs in our lungs, called alveoli. These tiny sacs collapse and loose their ability to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
Why did people invent smoking?
Asked by Kudiheather
because the dont hve any thing else to spend theirs money
Can you have bronchitis with little or no cough I started out with a little stuffy nose and slight sore throat with chest congestion But dr said lungs sounded clear so I am confused?
Asked by Wiki User
That is exactly what happened to me and i happen to be quite experienced with lung problems. I have just gotten it again. do you have any wheezing or chest dicomfort? If you do, i would think yoiu have bronchitis
Can bronchitis be totally cured?
Asked by Wiki User
Nn. Bronchitis will eventually go away, but like the common cold, it cannot be destroyed. It will go away in about a week.
NOT MEDICAL ADVICE: If it lasts any longer it would be wise to consult a doctor.
Can pinworms kill you?
Asked by Wiki User
Of course it can! The worms will slowly eat u from the inside and it will reproduce in your stomach and soon their will be nothing left except bones and the yucky bits they didn't want to eat. So Yes
Is Bronchitis a smoker's disease?
Asked by Wiki User
Cigarette smoking yes
has been found by research to not only increase your risk for cancer and COPD, but it also causes both of these. As far as marijuana smoking, studies show there is no conclusive link between marijuana and COPD or risk of COPD or lung cancers, so no.
Most people get Bronchitis during childhood and so did I and have never smoked at all.
What are the cures for bronchitis?
Asked by Wiki User
As most bronchial infections are viral in origin, running to the doctor for antibiotics is not recommended right away. First try 3-4 cups of fresh grated ginger tea a day. Ginger has an antibiotic and antiviral effect and great at removing mucous. Drink plenty of fluids and steam as much as possible. To build resistence try taking spirulina capsles and echinecea. Try to sleep in a room with enough humidity as that lessens the cough and make sure you elevate the bed or build up with pillows to keep your head elevated. Sleeping on your side is better than on your back and you will sleep more restful. Bring a glass of water to with you and when you start coughing in the night, usually sipping a bit of water will calm the coughing down somewhat. Of course this is recommended only for a couple of days but if the cough is worse, you have fever, and you are not getting better make the appointment with the doctor.
How long should you be off antibiotics before surgery?
Asked by Wiki User
My daughter's doctor & hospital have always made sure they were given 1 hour pre-operatively.
How many people die of chronic bronchitis a year?
Asked by Wiki User
the president so happens to of die pooping cause when you die your gentiles fall. the number you need to call is 480-911-000. do not blame people. Please respect any edgars even if their real name is Jean.
What are he sytmptoms of chronic bronchitis?
Asked by Wiki User
The main symptoms of chronic bronchitis include: Dyspnea (shortness of breath), Wheezing, Coughing and sputum production. Other symptoms can include: muscle aches, nasal congestion, fatigue, a sore throat and headaches.
Can your doctor tell if you have bronchitis by drawing your blood?
Asked by Wiki User
no it is not blood infection
Can i get pneumonia shot if i have bronchitis?
Asked by Wiki User
I have asthma, and I will definitely get it myself, considering every time I get a nasty cold I need more medicines since it gets harder to breathe. I also don't want to give it to any of my family or friends. So I think you should, but if you don't know speak to your doctor about it.
Why are respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia so common in patients with cystic fibrosis?
Asked by Wiki User
Can you take flucloxacillin for bronchitis?
Asked by Wiki User
Most bronchitis is viral and can't be cured by antibiotics. When antibiotics are tried, penicillin is not on the list.
What is the difference between acute and bacterial bronchitis?
Asked by Wiki User
Acute asthma, also known as allergic asthma, is triggered by allergens (dust mite feces, pollen, etc...) activating mast cells located beneath the mucosa of the lower airways of respiratory tract. Activation of mast cells triggers release of granules that stimulate the nasal epithelium to produce mucus and subsequent contraction of smooth muscle within the airway. This contraction of smooth muscle constricts the airway, causing the characteristic asthmatic wheezing.
Chronic asthma is not caused by allergens, but rather a result of the inflammation obtained from acute asthma. The overall effects of acute asthma causes chronic inflammation, which causes the mucosal epithelium to become hypersensitive to environmental responses. So simple environmental agents, such as smoke, can stimulate the hypersensitive epithelium to produce large amounts of mucous and constrict.
