Bronchitis
Description: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. The mucous membrane lining the bronchi swells which causes increased mucous production and decreased mucous movement by the cilia.
How You Get It: Any irritant such as cigarette smoke or air pollution can cause bronchitis.
Symptoms: The diameter of the bronchi is decreased, and ventilation is impaired. Coughing up thickened mucous and shortness of breath. Runny noses are also common.
Treatments: Anti-Inflammatory such as Ibuprofen or any pain reliever such as acetaminophen.
How You Get It: Any irritant such as cigarette smoke or air pollution can cause bronchitis.
Symptoms: The diameter of the bronchi is decreased, and ventilation is impaired. Coughing up thickened mucous and shortness of breath. Runny noses are also common.
Treatments: Anti-Inflammatory such as Ibuprofen or any pain reliever such as acetaminophen.
Emphysema
Description: Emphysema occurs when the inner walls of the alveoli weaken and rupture which creates one large air sac instead of many small ones. Because of this, the surface area is decreased. That means that less oxygen reaches the bloodstream because there are less alveoli to transfer the oxygen. During exhalation, the alveoli don't work so old air is trapped and there isn't room for any new air.
How You Get It: The main cause is smoking but it can also be caused by air pollution, manufacturing fumes etc.
Symptoms: Extreme shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and decreased tolerance for exercise.
Treatments: Emphysema cannot be cured but the symptoms can be slowed with inhalants, antibiotics, and bronchodilators.
How You Get It: The main cause is smoking but it can also be caused by air pollution, manufacturing fumes etc.
Symptoms: Extreme shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and decreased tolerance for exercise.
Treatments: Emphysema cannot be cured but the symptoms can be slowed with inhalants, antibiotics, and bronchodilators.