i looked up what it was on answers.com and it said it was a disease mainly caught by smokers (my dad smokes) and it says it can cause death. i have no idea what it is but i'm so worried for him. is it bad?
thanks
2007-01-19 07:28:08 · 9 answers · asked by kitty 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
It can be fatal. But so can the flu. It also depends on whether it's a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, or just a bout of bacterial or viral bronchitis, which everyone will probably get at some point. Many people who don't smoke get bronchitis, and many people with chronic bronchitis live with it for a very very long time.
Dad needs to quit smoking, though.
2007-01-19 07:33:24 · answer #1 · answered by Emmy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-07-26 18:03:00 · answer #2 · answered by Shawn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are different stages of bronchitis. There is chronic bronchitis and acute.
Acute means it is caused by a viral or bacteria and is easily treated with antibiotics.
Chronic is usually associated with smoking or other inhalants that can be harmful to the lungs like chemicals, coal dust and such.
Chronic bronchitis may get better with stopping smoking but it won't ever completely go away. The coughing and production of phelgm will decrease and at times go away but basically, if he has chronic bronchitis he has already damaged his lungs.
Does not mean that they can't repair if he quits smoking.
Chronic bronchitis can turn into emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which can kill after years of being without oxygen. The more he smokes though, the harder it would be for him to get over the bronchitis.
If I were you, I would encourage him to cut down on his smoking first, then to get off them completely. It's a hard process to do. Like any other addiction, it is an addiction and has to be handled the same way.
Good Luck!!!
2007-01-19 07:36:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is, literally, inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, and it is rarely fatal. The really big problem comes when it leads to pneumonia which is much deadlier than brochitis. Medication is usually all that is needed. The best thing he could do for himself at this point is to STOP SMOKING!!!! It can stop bronchitis from coming back.
2007-01-19 07:40:55 · answer #4 · answered by dirkle1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bronchitis is like a cold but worse. It can led to pneumonia some times if not treated. Its in the bronchial tubes, and they get plugged. Unless he has chronic bronchitis?? This can lead to more damage. I've had it several times, they say it is from smoking but I know people that get it that don't smoke either.So if your dad rests and drinks alot of fluids, takes his medications he should be fine
2007-01-19 07:36:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bronchitis probably isnt the real worry, however if it progresses into pneumonia, then you have concerns. Bronchitis and pneumonia are treatable, keep him in touch with his dr and dont let him ignore the symptoms, especially if it gets worse.
2007-01-19 07:33:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had it twice when I use to smoke. You have to quit smoking at least while you have it. It means 1/2 or less of your lungs are filled up. It will be classified pneumonia when they go over 1/2 filled. Has to go to the Doctor.
2007-01-19 07:40:11 · answer #7 · answered by Irish 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just got over a case of bronchitis, and I don't smoke.
The previous answer is correct. The real concern is for it to develop into pneumonia. If he takes his meds, and avoids a whole lot of strenuous activities, he should shake it off.
Good luck.
2007-01-19 07:37:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is on the right meds and stops smoking while going through this I wouldn't worry. So many people get this every year.
2007-01-19 07:31:41 · answer #9 · answered by lmclear4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋