A cold or flu usually runs its course within a couple of days. But sometimes the cold can persist for longer and you can end up with a nagging-phlegm (mucus) filled cough. This could be a sign of bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation or swelling of the airways or the bronchial tubes. People with the condition experience cough that doesn’t seem to go away, that is coupled with mucus and can last up to several months.
Bronchitis is of two types- acute and chronic. With the two types, there is also seasonal bronchitis which is more common during winter and can affect people of almost all ages. Although seasonal bronchitis is not an official term, it is used to describe bronchitis symptoms which are worsened during certain seasons; like asthma gets more severe during spring and winter. Seasonal bronchitis inflames and swells up the air tubes, making it hard to breathe.
Causes for Seasonal Bronchitis
Seasonal bronchitis is usually associated with viral infections. It is also caused by environmental changes and irritants like air pollution, dust, fumes and smoking. While it is treatable, it has the tendency to reoccur and if not paid attention, seasonal bronchitis can lead to pneumonia and infect the lungs further.
Anyone could become the victim of (seasonal)bronchitis. For people with a weakened immune system, ongoing diseases, and undernourished children complications such as sinuses, ear infection and pneumonia are the common risk factors. If you work around substances like dust and fumes or live in a place with poor air quality or pollution, you have a bigger chance of getting bronchitis.
Know your Symptoms
Symptoms of seasonal bronchitis are similar to the signs and symptoms of asthma and other respiratory complaints. Symptoms to identify seasonal bronchitis include:
- Frequent dry coughs
- Cough producing lot of mucus
- Chest congestion; feeling discomfort or chest feels clogged
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Low fever
Additionally, you may also experience a runny nose, body aches and chills or have a sore throat as signs of seasonal bronchitis. Warning signs also may vary from person to person. If you catch the case of bronchitis and your body does not respond to allergies much, you would recover in about a week or two. On the other hand, people with allergic tendencies tend to take longer to recover.
Breathe Easy
It is important to identify the cause root of your problem to treat your condition. Acute bronchitis with no preexisting lung disease is much easier to treat with medications such as paracetamol and cough suppressants and supportive therapies like steam inhalation and saltwater gargles. Getting a vaccine can also help decrease the chances of viral infections.
Seasonal bronchitis or chronic bronchitis may need proper evaluation if it seems to exaggerate asthma or other respiratory issues.
You can also consider following these home remedies for relief:
- Give yourself a break by taking plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids every 2 hours or so
- Smoking is a no-no
- Avoid stepping outdoors or exposure to air pollution
- Use a humidifier
- Avoid being amongst crowds as the virus spreads through air
- Make a DIY warm lemon drink for cold and sore throat with 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
- Practice washing hands thoroughly and frequently
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