Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor
5 Common Respiratory Ailments Associated With The Bronchus
A number of medical conditions can affect the bronchus. A bronchospasm for example occurs when the airways constrict, or narrow, causing wheezing and difficulty in breathing. It can be a symptom of many conditions that affect the airways, including asthma, seasonal allergies, and COPD.
The following are some of the medical conditions involving the bronchus:
Asthma
Asthma has a lot of triggers from smoke, dust, pet fur and other allergies and irritants, to intense emotions resulting in hyperventilation.
During an asthma attack, a bronchospasm occurs, the bronchi or airways constrict or narrows itself and it becomes extremely difficult to breath.
Bronchitis
When a viral infection that started in the nose or throat starts to affect the cells of the bronchi, it becomes swollen and causes a cough that sometimes coughs up phlegm, and it causes wheezing. This is called acute bronchitis.
Usually it is caused by the same virus that causes colds and the flu. You can also get acute bronchitis from bacteria in rare cases and from inhaling certain substances, such as smoke, dust, or other irritants.
As for chronic bronchitis, smoking is the number one culprit because cigarette smoke irritates the airways and causes mucus. This causes inflammation in the bronchioles, causing a heavy buildup of mucus in the lungs and unlike acute bronchitis which goes away easily on its own, this one will not stop. It will give a chronic cough and the sick person will be more susceptible to bacterial infections. Breathing becomes extremely difficult.
Apart from smoking and being exposed to irritants such as dust or chemical fumes, over a long period of time, having COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the same condition some people with emphysema also have, increases the probability that more likely, they have chronic bronchitis too.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
People who have COPD usually also have asthma or emphysema accompanied by chronic bronchitis. If left untreated, this can lead to lung cancer.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis which is also associated with other illnesses, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and recurrent cases of pneumonia, happens when the walls of the bronchi become irreversibly scarred.
They become thick and this causes mucus to build up and become a breeding ground for bacteria. The lung will not be able to function well when this condition is prolonged.
Aspiration
Patients are instructed to fast prior to surgery because there is a risk they could vomit and aspirate some of the food or drink while they are unconscious under general anesthesia.
When these foreign objects are accidentally or involuntarily inhaled, they often become lodged in one of the bronchi.
These Inhaled substances can then attract bacteria, leading to aspiration and pneumonia.
These can also happen to people who have trouble chewing and swallowing. Patients are also prone to aspiration after a stroke
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
5 Things You Should Do if Someone in Your Home Has Asthma
Asthma cannot be completely eradicated but there are simple ways to manage and avoid this illness especially if people are aware of things that should be done when they live with someone who has asthma.
Quit Smoking
When you live in the same roof with a loved one who has asthma, it is impossible for the patient to not inhale second hand smoke. Second hand smoke or smoke produced by a smoker and breathed in by another person can trigger an asthma attack. Make sure your home is a cigarette and tobacco smoke free zone. Instead of just designating a smoking area or trying one’s best to not smoke near the person with asthma, inside the home or inside the car, it would be in the best interest of every member of the family to just quit smoking.
Leave No Room for Dust Mites
Dust mites can trigger an asthma attack if the person who has asthma is allergic to dust and most likely, they are. Make sure these microscopic bugs are eradicated from your home.
Here’s a list of things you can do to prevent dust mites:
- Use a humidifier to keep relative humidity levels at around 30- 50% which is not suitable for dust mites.
- Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and floors
- Make sure you wash your bedding and dry it completely once a week
- Allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase covers make a good barrier from dust mites so make sure you use them
- Never use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters.
Make Sure The Person with Asthma Stays Away from Air Pollution
Smoke from burning wood and dried leaves can trigger an asthma attack because they are producing harmful gases and particles that can be inhaled in large amounts and cause an asthma flare up.
Air pollution from factories and cars are even more harmful. Make sure you live in a place away from all of these if you have a loved one with asthma and make sure you check air quality forecasts on the internet before you plan your activities to make sure there is no air pollution when you go out.
Keep the Person Away from Pets that Is Causing Asthma Attacks
If the furbaby can’t be rehomed, just make sure the person’s exposure is lessened by keeping the pet away from the bedroom and always keeping the pet clean. Using air cleaners with HEPA filters and allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers may help prevent asthma attacks.
Keep the Person Away from All Possible Triggers
Molds, harmful disinfectants, poor ventilation, flu, colds, respiratory syncytial virus, sinus infections and pollen must be kept away from the person with asthma.
Acid reflux, excessive physical activity, bad weather such as thunderstorms and high humidity can also trigger asthma attacks.
It is also important to take note of food, medicine, food additives and fragrances which may be the person with asthma is allergic to so it can be avoided.
Most importantly, try your best not to upset the person with asthma because intense emotions can lead to very fast breathing or hyperventilation which is also a trigger of asthma attack.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Breathing Problems You Should Be Wary Of
Breathing Problems You Should Be Wary Of
Breathing problems are brought about by several causes and not treating these underlying causes will result in dire consequences. If you are having breathing difficulties, it is imperative that you see an ENT specialist right away. Doing so will help you prevent the problem from getting worse and also avoid the unwanted consequences. Continue reading
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另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。
另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。