4 Signs That Your Cold Is Bronchitis

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Huy Nhat - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang.

Cough is a common symptom of a cold. It's the body's way of getting rid of phlegm or pus. But if the cough persists after the cold has gone, see your doctor as soon as possible as it could be a sign of bronchitis.

1. Should I see a doctor right away when I have a cough?

It is helpful to let your doctor know how long you have had a cough. Any factors that can make the condition worse should be reported to the doctor, such as a strange or unusual feeling, or a cough with pus-filled sputum. If you cough up green or dark yellow sputum, cough up blood, cough with hissing sound, have a fever above 380C, or sweat, seek medical attention immediately. These are signs of a more serious illness that requires early diagnosis and treatment.
Persistent cough can signal asthma . Triggers for asthma can include respiratory infections such as colds or flu, dust, cold air, exercise, or allergens. Asthma may account for up to 25% of chronic cough cases. Patients may not realize they have asthma until they have an acute asthma attack.

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2. What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and produce too much purulent sputum. There are two basic types of bronchitis:
Acute bronchitis : Most common, the most common cause is a viral infection. Acute bronchitis may be related and may be aggravated by smoking. This type of bronchitis is more severe than the common cold, but not as severe as pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis: A persistent cough that lasts two to three months per year for a minimum of two years. Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis.

3. What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

Symptoms of bronchitis include:
Frequent cough, cough with phlegm. Tired. Sigh. Fever.

4. When should I go to the doctor for bronchitis?

See your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
Cough that lasts for two to three weeks. Fever. Coughing up blood or purulent sputum. Shortness of breath, wheezing.

5. Can bronchitis be treated at home?

If you have bronchitis:
Drink water every one to two hours, unless your doctor prescribes a limit to your fluid intake. Increase rest. No smoking. Relieve body pain with an NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or another pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) (aspirin should not be used by children, and over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not recommended. should not be used by children under four years of age). Follow your doctor's instructions to loosen phlegm. Inform your doctor about the frequency of coughing as well as the amount and color of sputum if the cough is productive. If your cough is dry or has very little sputum, your doctor may prescribe cough suppressants and expectorants to help clear phlegm through coughs. Because viruses are the cause of most cases of bronchitis, antibiotics are usually ineffective and unnecessary, except for infectious bronchitis or bronchitis in people with respiratory failure.

6. How to prevent bronchitis

No smoking. Do not allow other people to smoke in the house.

Avoid or limit exposure to nose, throat, and lung irritants such as dust or household pets. If you have a cold, get plenty of rest. Follow the doctor's treatment. A healthy balanced diet. Regularly wash your hands. Do not share food, glasses, or eating utensils. Cold symptoms are easy to confuse with bronchitis. Based on the above symptoms, patients should distinguish to see a doctor soon and be prescribed treatment when necessary.
Doctor Nguyen Huy Nhat has many years of experience in the field of respiratory disease treatment at Hue Central Hospital, Hoan My General Hospital, .. before being a doctor of General Internal Medicine Department of General Hospital. Vinmec Danang International. If you notice any unusual health problems, you should visit and consult with a specialist.

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Article reference source: Webmd.com

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