The bronchi can be affected by viral agents and environmental components that make the infection recurrent. Therefore, informing about risk factors, symptoms and treatment possibilities in the event of any associative pathology is of the utmost importance, not only for the patient who consults, but also for the entire population in general.
Likewise, understanding that preventive measures can be carried out to reduce the risk, especially in infants and the elderly, becomes essential to take care of health. Hence, although these types of diseases initially present flu-like symptoms; cough, runny nose, and fever; in the face of respiratory distress, wheezing and pressure in the chest, professional guidance should be sought.1
The bronchi are prone to getting sick as a result of changes in temperature and environmental pollution.
In this way, we see that viruses such as adenovirus, influenza, syncytial virus and rhinovirus, are part of the agents that can cause diseases in the bronchi, both in children and adults. In, but, exposure to toxic substances and contaminated environments; with insecticides, cigarette smoke, aerosols and gases; can be considered among the main causes.1
Likewise, humid weather, winter months and sudden changes in temperature can lead to diseases of the bronchial tubes. At the same time, poor hygiene habits, precarious living conditions and overcrowding are part of the set of risk factors.2
Some of the main diseases that afflict the world population
This is how we find the bronchiolitis, as one of the most common bronchial diseases in children, especially in the winter season. Produced by viruses, which inflame the bronchial tubes, leading to a dry cough and shortness of breath. However, palliative treatment with over-the-counter antihistamine medications usually fights the symptoms in a short time.2
Also, other alterations of the bronchi appear with greater prevalence in adults, such as bronchiectasis, characterized by damage and widening in the airways, which makes it difficult to expel phlegm. At the same time, the bronchospasm, narrows the airways to the lungs, limiting the amount of oxygen that enters the blood, causing difficulty in breathing.2
Avoiding risk factors and applying preventive measures constitute a large percentage of treatment
In fact, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories may quickly minimize symptoms if diagnosed early in the disease. However, the recurrence of this type of infection gradually deteriorates the bronchi. Leading to cause severe complications, ranging from pneumonia, heart disease, and pneumonia.3
Therefore, the main recommendation is to differentiate bronchial diseases from a simple flu and treat the symptoms before complications occur. Since, the nose, the paranasal sinuses and the throat, are the first affected. But, increased mucus, shortness of breath, and a feeling of chest tightness are indicative that the lungs are at risk.
References:
- Dubón Peniche María del Carmen, Bustamante Leija Luis Eduardo. Acute bronchitis. Rev. Fac. Med. (Mex.) [revista en la Internet]. 2016 Feb [citado 2021 Sep. 29] ; 59 (1): 27-31. Available in:
http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0026-17422016000100027&lng=es.
2.Cereceda P. Jaime, Samso Z. Catalina, Segura W. Alvaro, Sanhueza O. Pamela. Bronchiectasis in adults: Clinical characteristics. Rev. chil. sick breathe. [Internet]. 2005 Sep [citado 2021 Sep. 29]; 21 (3): 171-178. Available in:
http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-73482005000300004&lng=es.
3.Gil D. Rodrigo, Fernández V. Patricia, Sabbagh P. Eduardo. Clinico-radiological diagnosis of community-acquired adult pneumonia. Rev. chil. sick breathe. [Internet]. Apr 2005 [citado 2021 Sep. 29] ; 21 (2): 89-94. Available in: http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-73482005000200004&lng=es.