Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi normally caused by an infection.
The disease is usually mild and usually heal completely. However, bronchitis may be severe in people with chronic diseases who suffer from heart or lung diseases and in the elderly.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Often, infectious bronchitis begins with the symptoms of a common cold: dripping nose, tiredness, chills, backache and muscle, slight fever and sore throat. The symptoms of cough indicates generally the beginning of bronchitis.
At first, the cough is dry and may remain so, but often after one or two days the person small quantities of sputum expectoration white or yellowish. Later, can expel more sputum, which may be yellow or green. In people with severe bronchitis may appear high fever for 4 or 5 days, after which the symptoms are improved. However, the cough may persist for several weeks. When the lower airways are obstructed, the person may experience shortness of breath. Also there are frequent wheezing, especially after coughing. May develop pneumonia.
Usually, bronchitis based on the symptoms, especially in the aspect of sputum. If symptoms persist, you must perform a chest x-ray to be sure that the person does not progressed to pneumonia.
Treatment
Adults may take aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve the discomfort, but children should only take paracetamol. It is recommended rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
Antibiotics are administered to patients with symptoms of bronchitis produced by a bacterial infection (in the case of sputum expectoration of yellow or green color and high fever) and patients who already suffer from a pulmonary disease. Adults may take trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline or ampicillin.
Is administered frequently erythromycin when considering the possibility of a Mycoplasma pneumonia.
In children, amoxicillin is usually the preferred drug. Antibiotics are not useful in viral infections. A culture of sputum may indicate the need for another type of antibiotic when symptoms are persistent or recurrent bronchitis or when it is severe.