Bronchitis is the swelling of the bronchial tubes … the air passages between the nose and the lungs. It occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed or infected.

Some doctors also define bronchitis as an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi (the larger and medium-sized airways that carry airflow from the trachea into the more distal parts of the lung parenchyma).

Bronchitis is somehow a preventable disease. Prevention methods of bronchitis include avoiding tobacco smoke and exposure to second hand smoke, quitting smoking, avoiding people who are sick with colds or the flu, getting a yearly flu vaccine, getting a pneumonia vaccine (especially for those over 60 years of age) and washing hands regularly.

Other preventable measures of bronchitis are avoiding cold, damp locations or areas with a lot of air pollution, wearing a mask around people who are coughing and sneezing, drink fluids every one to two hours unless your doctor has restricted your fluid intake.

Also consider following your doctor’s instructions on ways to help clear your mucus. If you are coughing up mucus, note how often you cough as well as the color and amount of the mucus.

Stay away from or reduce your time around things that irritate your nose, throat, and lungs, such as dust or pets. If you catch a cold, get plenty of rest. Do not share food, cups, glasses, or eating utensils. Take your medicine exactly the way your doctor instructs you and try to eat a healthy diet.

END