Asthma and Bronchitis
Both asthma and bronchitis are respiratory diseases where people suffering from asthma or chronic bronchitis usually end up with asthmatic bronchitis. While patients suffer from asthma experience narrowing and swelling of their airways and a reduced intake of oxygen, people suffering from asthmatic bronchitis suffer from even symptoms of chronic bronchitis. In such conditions, the medication that was used for asthma proves to be ineffective in clearing the airways that are clogged with mucus.
It is not possible to exactly diagnose asthmatic bronchitis with its symptoms. This is because chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis and emphysema all produce the same symptoms of cough, discomfort in the chest when breathing, wheezing and experience difficulty in breathing. There are some rare cases where the respiratory illness can be diagnosed using the reports of the patients on their symptoms. However for the effective diagnosis of asthmatic bronchitis, it is necessary to have laboratory tests and careful physical examinations.
Asthmatic bronchitis is basically a respiratory condition that is caused with exposure to irritants and not bacteria and viruses. In some cases, a weak immune system, existence of severe childhood respiratory conditions and hyperactivity of the respiratory tract all lead to the development of asthmatic bronchitis. Even smokers suffering from chronic bronchitis are prone to develop asthmatic bronchitis.
A person suffering from asthmatic bronchitis suffers from in inflammation, narrowing and irritation of the respiratory tract. The presence of irritants or a viral infection leads to the inflammation of the mucus membrane, bronchial tubes and other organs and tissues of the respiratory system. Though the respiratory tract has its natural defenses against these irritants, sometimes external agents break through these barriers.
The mucus membrane of the bronchial tube, the bronchial tubes and other tissues are covered by cilia, hair like structures that prevent viruses and irritants from reaching the lungs. However constant exposure to external agents leads to the penetration of these defenses and leads to inflammation and infection. This leads to an excessive production of mucus that obstructs the airways and this leads to difficulty in breathing.
As asthmatic bronchitis is a respiratory condition where there is an obstruction of the respiratory tract, it is necessary to take medication that helps in the unblocking of the airways and in the fight against bacteria. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe some steroids and inhaled medicines along with medical treatment of antibiotics. These inhaled medicines are referred to as bronchodilators that help in the decongesting of the airways that were clogged with mucus.
Though asthmatic bronchitis is not a very serious condition, there is a possibility of severe complications arising like pulmonary bacterial infections. This is why a person suffering from asthmatic bronchitis has to undergo ongoing medical treatment. It is also necessary for such patients to avoid external irritants that can trigger an attack of asthmatic bronchitis. Such irritants are cigarette smoke, chemicals, alcohol vapors, pollutants and dust. This is because these irritants can aggravate the illness. In severe cases, the patient may have to be hospitalized and be under constant monitoring so that the symptoms can be ameliorated.