Bronchitis is a disease that affects the respiratory system, i.e. the airways that run through the mouth, nose, throat and lungs and allow us to breathe. While not typically considered a life-threatening condition, it can create discomfort and lead to a bad, productive cough. Fortunately, there are several strategies to be put in place to prevent it or at least to recognize its symptoms, so that it can be treated promptly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Avoid Contagion
Step 1. Stay away from people who have contagious diseases
It sounds like obvious advice, but you may be surprised at how difficult it really is to do it; from co-workers who have a cold to the children of friends with the flu, you are constantly in contact with people who can infect you. When you know that someone is sick, you should avoid getting too close; if you can't do without it, wash your hands well when they go away and don't share any objects with them.
Step 2. Maintain proper personal hygiene
This mainly means washing your hands every time you come into contact with someone who may be transmitting the disease; use warm soapy water for proper cleaning. Here are the occasions when you should wash them:
- When you go to the bathroom.
- When you travel on public transport.
- When you approach sick people.
- When handling raw meat.
- When you sneeze or cough.
Step 3. Use hand sanitizer if you can't reach a sink
Some workplaces, such as hospitals or doctors' offices, have sinks available to make it easy and always possible to wash your hands. However, if this is not the case at your workplace (or during your day), you can alternatively always carry a small pack of alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you; you can use it whenever you touch surfaces shared by many people or when you are near someone with a cold or the flu.
You also need to avoid touching your face, especially if your hands are not clean
Method 2 of 3: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Stop smoking
Some research has found that smokers or people exposed to a lot of secondhand smoke are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis. For this reason, it is important to quit or not expose yourself to secondhand smoke if you are concerned about getting sick; substances in cigarettes cause inflammation in the respiratory tract and you are much more vulnerable to viral or bacterial infections.
Smoking can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which makes the patient more prone to infections, such as bronchitis
Step 2. Limit exposure to substances that can irritate the lungs
Dust and other particles or chemicals, such as bleach, asbestos, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, remain suspended in the air and can irritate the walls of the throat and respiratory tract. When the respiratory system becomes irritated, it begins to become inflamed, greatly increasing the chances of developing bronchitis. If you have to expose yourself to a lot of particulates for your job, you need to wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose so you don't breathe it all day.
- You must also always take a shower after work, to eliminate all traces of harmful particles accumulated during the day and avoid filling the house or bed when you return.
- Prolonged exposure to irritants can cause serious diseases, including silicosis and asbestosis.
Step 3. Eat a diet aimed at strengthening the immune system
In particular, it was found that vitamin C and zinc are able to make it stronger effectively. If you are concerned that your defenses are weakened and you are afraid of developing bronchitis due to this, increase your intake of foods rich in these precious elements.
- Foods rich in vitamin C are: lemons, grapefruits, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, kiwis, oranges, limes, pineapples, Brussels sprouts, spinach, onions, garlic and radishes.
- Those with a high zinc content are: spinach, mushrooms, beef, lamb and pork.
Step 4. Take extra precautions if you have any autoimmune diseases
If your immune system is compromised, your body is at greater risk of contracting viral or bacterial infections and getting sick (as your immune defenses are unable to defend it). If you suffer from any autoimmune disorders you must take all possible precautions to avoid getting bronchitis, because in this case it would become more difficult to get rid of them.
- Among the autoimmune diseases are severe allergies, asthma, lupus, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
- To strengthen your immune system, consider taking multivitamin supplements, reducing daily stress, getting enough sleep, exercising at least four days a week, and getting regular vaccinations. If you want to know more about how to strengthen your immune system, read this article.
Step 5. Get the flu shot every season
The flu period, which usually falls in the autumn and winter months, is the easiest time to contract bronchitis; for this reason, it is a good idea to get the flu shot to reduce the risk of getting sick and developing this inflammation as a result.
- The vaccine is recommended for all individuals over six months of age.
- Standard vaccines are made with eggs; if you have an allergy to this food, talk to your doctor before giving the injection.
Step 6. Make sure your child receives all recommended vaccines
In addition to the annual flu shot, it is particularly important that all your children (if you have more than one) get all the appropriate vaccinations on time. There is a routine schedule for vaccines for children and infants, which allows them to be immune in the long term to several potentially serious infections, some of which can lead to bronchitis.
Talk to your family doctor or pediatrician if you are unsure about your child's vaccination schedule
Method 3 of 3: Check for Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to the symptoms of acute bronchitis
This form of bronchitis usually develops in the case of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or flu; typically, a fever (38-39 ° C) occurs and you may feel all your muscles sore.
- During the first 2-3 days of being unwell you may have a dry cough (which does not produce phlegm), accompanied by a slight burning sensation in the chest, as if you are suffering from stomach acid.
- In the next 5-6 days you can start to suffer from a productive cough (when you cough you expel phlegm); the symptoms then begin to subside.
Step 2. Know that there are two main forms of bronchitis, acute and chronic
The acute one is the most common and least troubling; usually, it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection that runs its course and then disappears. You can get rid of it by managing the cough that develops or, in severe cases, with antimicrobial treatments.
- Otherwise, chronic bronchitis is more persistent and difficult to overcome; in this case, it is easy to recognize it thanks to the fat cough that lasts more than three months and which is accompanied by a considerable production of mucus, which you have to expel by coughing or spitting. This form of bronchitis can lead to other serious respiratory diseases, so it is important to treat it promptly.
- See your doctor if you have a persistent cough or are worried that you have chronic bronchitis.
- Patients with cystic fibrosis are more prone to recurrent infections of the bronchi, which lead to the development of a disease called bronchiectasis.
Step 3. Know when to seek medical attention
If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, you should go to your family doctor immediately. If you can't get an examination on the same day, you need to go to the emergency room; the earlier the disease is diagnosed and treated, the better.
- Cough with thick mucus or with traces of blood.
- Shortness of breath which leads to difficulty breathing.
- Fever over 38 ° C.
- Make an appointment with your doctor even if you have repeated episodes of bronchitis or have a persistent cough that does not go away after three weeks.
