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How to test for bronchitis?
(May 10, 2010)
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The bronchi are the air passages that allow air to enter the lungs. Bronchitis is a condition that affects these passages. The bronchi are lined with a mucous membrane. This membrane becomes inflamed when a person is suffering from bronchitis. This inflammation may sometimes lead to an excess accumulation of mucous and sputum which may be expelled during coughing. The expulsion of sputum is one of the symptoms of bronchitis along with symptoms of a cough or common cold. This type of bronchitis, called acute bronchitis, is caused by a virus or infection that has invaded the bronchi. This type of bronchitis requires treatment and usually goes away without any long lasting effects. If the attack is particularly severe, it may cause damage to the bronchi but these should heal over a period of time. Chronic bronchitis has similar symptoms to acute bronchitis but is prolonged in its duration and keeps repeating over a period of time. It may last for a few months and may even go as long as a few years. Chronic bronchitis is caused by an injury in the bronchi which allows infections to develop easily and invade the system on a regular basis. These infections may be environmental and can be caused by inhaling contaminated air, but this contaminated air does not affect a healthy person. Some cases of bronchitis are caused by bacterial infections rather than viral infections. These forms need to be treated using antibiotics, but the other types of viral bacteria can be resolved using little or no medication.
Testing for bronchitis involves collecting a sample of the sputum that is being passed out of the mouth while a person is coughing. The sputum sample will then be analyzed under a microscope to detect the presence, if any, of bacteria. Bacterial infections are to be treated immediately as they may develop into chronic conditions if left unattended. In the case of a viral infection, most diagnosis is done by the instinct of an experienced doctor.
Many smokers tend to be at risk of developing bronchitis because the cigarette smoke is an irritant to the lungs. During a bronchitis attack, a smoker may be required to stop smoking until the lungs become healthy again. Smoking should always be avoided in any case. Patients suffering from chronic bronchitis may receive treatment to boost their immune system in order to prevent repeated infections and therefore inflammations of the bronchi
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Submitted by M T on May 10, 2010 at 01:46
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