Overview Of Common Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses are the most common conditions in the United States. Genetics, gender, and age influence a patient's risk of developing one of these illnesses! Other risk factors include being a healthcare worker, living in a highly polluted area, and working with toxic fumes. Working with these fumes without protective equipment increases the risk even more. Many respiratory illnesses are contagious. Thus, outbreaks are common!

Medicine for pneumonia is standard. Patients often take bronchitis medication as well, including acute bronchitis throat lozenges! Many patients try herbal remedies for the common cold. Another cold and flu treatment is pain and fever medication. Of course, patients need to know which illness they have to receive the best treatment!

Bronchitis

The bronchial tubes are crucial parts of the lungs. They are responsible for moving air in and out! Unfortunately, bronchitis is incredibly common, and it impacts these tubes. Specifically, this condition involves the tubes' lining becoming inflamed. Many patients deal with acute cases of bronchitis. They will resolve in seven to ten days most of the time. However, the cough often lasts for several weeks! Chronic bronchitis, of course, means patients have regular episodes. Symptoms of bronchitis include mucus production, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, chills, and chest discomfort. Mucus in this condition is clear, green, or gray-yellow!

Many patients have acute bronchitis due to a common cold. However, chronic cases are often the result of smoking because of the constant lung irritation and inflammation. Chronic bronchitis is also a major symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This condition is incredibly common among smokers!

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