BRONCHITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Bronchitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. The inflammation can cause the bronchial tubes to narrow and produce excess mucus, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest congestion, and shortness of breath.
There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, and typically lasts for a short duration, usually a few days to a couple of weeks. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that is primarily associated with smoking and can be considered a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Common risk factors for bronchitis include exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, respiratory infections, weakened immune system, and certain occupational environments.
Treatment for bronchitis mainly consists of symptomatic relief, such as rest, increased fluid intake, cough suppressants, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Antibiotics are generally ineffective against bronchitis unless there is a bacterial infection present. In chronic cases, quitting smoking and avoiding irritants is crucial, along with medications to manage symptoms and improve lung function. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Prevention strategies include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding tobacco smoke, and getting vaccinated against common respiratory infections.
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Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Inflammation of the air-tubes or bronchiae that lead to the lungs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BRONCHITIS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BRONCHITIS
Etymology of BRONCHITIS
The word bronchitis is derived from two Greek words: bronchos, meaning windpipe or throat, and itis, meaning inflammation. Therefore, the etymology of bronchitis can be translated as inflammation of the bronchi or inflammation of the windpipe.
Similar spelling words for BRONCHITIS
- branchiura,
- Bronchiitis,
- Fibro-bronchitis,
- bronchiole,
- bronchus,
- branchia,
- branchial,
- branching,
- bronchitic,
- branchlet,
- Tracheo-bronchitis,
- bronchial,
- branchiate,
- bronchiolar,
- bronchospasm,
- bronchoscopic,
- bronchiolitis,
- Paronychitis,
- broncho,
- bronchoscope,
- bronchites,
- brainchild.
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