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Teen Health Tips: Bronchitis
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Since we’re in the middle of the winter months, I figured I would cover a segment on bronchitis. First, it would help to know exactly what bronchitis is. Well, it’s an inflammation of the air passages within the lungs.
Causes and Symptoms
There are several things that can cause bronchitis, including the flu, walking pneumonia and other bacteria, and the inhalation of certain fumes including cigarette smoke. Bronchitis often occurs after a sinus or respiratory infection. Common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and cough.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You may not know this, but some forms of bronchitis clear up on their own. However, this should deter you from seeking medical attention. The first rule of thumb on when to seek medical attention is to use your own judgment (your parents’ judgment if you’re a minor). If your fever persists after 4 or 5 days, if your coughing is keeping you up at night and you can’t sleep, if you’re coughing up blood or green phlegm, or if you’re wheezing, you should seek medical attention.
Remember that it’s always better to go to the doctor to find out you really were okay not going than it is to not go when you should and make your condition worse.
Treatment
- You can take an over-the-counter cough suppressant and also acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help with any aches or fever. Make sure you ask a pharmacist before taking both together. Cough suppressants can contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen in them already.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you’re running a fever, your body will loose fluids faster, so this is very important.
- A doctor may prescribe a stronger cough suppressant or a bronchial inhaler.
- A doctor won’t always, but may prescribe an antibiotic.
- Get plenty of rest.
If you have any ideas for any health issues that you would like to see in this daily column, please email Nicole Williams at newzbiz@live.com. If you would like credit for the idea, please state your name. Thank you.
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