Archive for the ‘Bronchitis’ Category

The Difference between Viral and Bacterial Bronchitis

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

People suffer from illnesses or diseases due to viruses and bacteria; but sometimes, environmental factors also play an important role in triggering such illnesses. When a person becomes ill, his life is naturally affected. And this includes his relationship with his family, colleagues, and friends. That is why, may experts stress the need for a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent these illnesses.

Inflammation of your bronchial tubes is a condition called bronchitis. This illness can be caused by viral infections, bacterial, and allergens. There is a great difference between a viral bronchitis and a bacterial bronchitis. Most people may not be able to distinguish between the two, and only a professional can evaluate and diagnose a person’s condition. (more…)

Treating Acute Bronchitis and the Use of Antibiotics

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

Around twenty million prescriptions for infections of the respiratory tract are written every year. The common diagnoses include URIs, otitis media, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and acute bronchitis; and take note, this is happening in the US alone. If you try to combine all prescriptions around the world, perhaps it can reach to billions.

Studies have shown that around 70% of adults and children diagnosed with acute bronchitis receive unnecessary antibiotics. Some clinical studies were documented showing primary care physicians prescribing antibiotics though literature suggests non-prescription of antibiotics in the case of acute bronchitis.

At present, there are a growing number of patients developing antibiotic resistance. Experts in the field of infectious disease claim that the scenario is rapidly increasing and that it is because of the unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions made by the physicians. If this kind of approach is duplicated over and over again, the entire world will be gravely affected. (more…)

Tracheal Bronchitis and the New Bacteria

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Sometimes, it can be very confusing to distinguish one illness from another. The symptoms are similar and oftentimes, misdiagnosis can occur. This is the reason why medical practitioners must be very careful in their chosen field so that they can give an accurate diagnosis, coupled with the right medication or treatment.

Bronchitis is defined as a condition characterized by the irritation and inflammation of the bronchial tubes and this is divided into different classifications, namely: acute tracheal bronchitis, chronic bronchitis (simple to complicated), and bronchiectasis.

This condition still remains to be a major threat to the health of millions of people. In the US, bronchitis ranks fourth as a leading death cause. Controlling the illness recently got complicated because of the new transformations in the illness’ nature.
A new and nasty bacteria emerged that can resist or tolerate conventional antibiotics. These bacteria are forcing doctors and physicians to re-evaluate and re-examine their practices and methods pertaining to bronchitis and pneumonia. (more…)