Have you been coughing? Do you feel tired? Have a feeling of soreness or tightness in your chest? Then you may have What's Going Around this week – bronchitis.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the large air passages in the lungs. It occurs when the mucous lining in the airways becomes irritated and swollen. Symptoms of bronchitis include a dry cough that develops into a cough with mucus, wheezing, fatigue, chest tightness and a mild fever; sometimes with chills.
Typically acute bronchitis develops from colds and other upper respiratory infections. Acute bronchitis is contagious so washing your hands and keeping them away from your face is an important step in prevention. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand is most often a result of smoking or other pollutants.
Symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Fever
- Pain in body or head
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
Treatment:
- Drink a lot of water
- Get some rest
- Special diet
- Medical preparation
- Frequent hand-washing
Bronchitis usually goes away on its own in about a week, but if your symptoms worsen, you have shortness of breath, or a fever that lasts more than four or five days, you should contact your physician or visit your closest Centra Care location.
