Medically termed Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis or AECB, these are episodes when a person affected with chronic bronchitis suffers intense breathing problems, and the episodes appear much more serious. Often the situation becomes so serious that immediate medical attention might be needed and even hospitalization. This situation should be avoided - there are treatments available that can arrest the symptoms and keep them under control.
Chronic bronchitis, which comes under COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, has affected more than 12 million people in the United States. This includes children and pregnant women as well. These people are silent sufferers for which medical science offers no permanent remedies - however with timely intervention, the symptoms can be kept under control. In the acute stage, breathing is more difficult as the airways become more tightened and there is additional mucus in thick form too.
Exacerbation of chronic bronchitis is a condition that rarely causes death. However people suffer a lot. This can occur due to any of the following factors working individually or together.
What Causes The Disease To Become Serious
1. Bacterial or viral infection originating from the collected mass of mucus in or near the airways (also known as tracheal) and this aggravates the chronic disease. The mucus turns greenish or yellowish in color and becomes thick. Some of the more common bacterial pathogens found in AECB patients include streptococcus pneumonia, haemophilus influenza and maraxella catarrhalis, and the rare pathogens are in the group known as chlamydia pneumonia and MRSA. However, pathogens more frequently found in AECB patients with impaired lung function include haemophilus parainfluenza (after repeated use of antibiotics), mycoplasma pneumoniae and gram-negative.
2. Toxins including factory smoke, cigarette smoke, acid vapors from chemical plants, coal and asbestos dust in manufacturing units and mining areas worsen the condition.
3. Allergens including pollens from withered flowers, sundry smell from animal farms, horse stable and chicken runs, musty stench emanating from long unused garments and linens.
Symptoms usually found in patients suffering from chronic bronchitis exacerbation include increased frequency and severity of coughing, which is typically accompanied by deteriorating chest congestion. While shortness of breath is prevalent in most cases, wheezing has also been reported by many.
Diagnostic evaluation of AECB is mostly carried out to eliminate chances of secondary infections as the patient himself/herself provides enough evidence of what he/she is suffering from by relentless coughing accompanied by short of breath.
Exacerbation Of Chronic Bronchitis Treatment
1. Bronchodilators provide relief by opening up the airways for the lungs. These usually comprise of salbutamol and eerbutaline, both being ß2-adrenergic agonists as well as Ipratropium which is an anticholinergic.
2. Cough suppressants are often prescribed to reduce the relentless coughing, but mucolytic agents appear to be more effective in the long run. This is because they can lessen the viscosity of the mucus in the airways.
3. Even though antibiotics may not work, but some of them such as the lipid-soluble antibiotics like macrolides, tetracyclines and quinolones have a better penetrating power on the lung tissues, and are thus often prescribed.
4. Corticosteroids in the form of Prednisone can reduce inflammation in the airways.
. Theophylline when taken orally can alleviate the breathing difficulties. 6. Alternative medications and even homeopathic drugs can help.
How much you will suffer does indeed depend on the exacerbation of chronic bronchitis or the seriousness of your condition. Yes a permanent remedy is difficult. But this is no reason why you cannot improve your condition and keep these severe bouts at bay.
No comments:
Post a Comment