Chronic Bronchitis?

Question

I think my girlfriend may have chronic bronchitis, even though she doesn't want to believe this, the reason I think she does is because last year she had bronchitis 4 times, and so far this year it's been 3 times, not to mention just today, the doctor said she was getting it AGAIN, so that sounds like 8 times within 1 1/2-1 2/3 years and I think it's becomming a serious problem. What tips can I offer her? also quitting smoking will stop this? i'm open to suggestions, thanks.

I'm not sure about athsma, maybe. The doctor say's bronchitis, and she gets lots of phlem (typo?) in her chest and throat n stuff, which is how bronchitis starts I heard, excess mucus and it gets infected. I'm going to have a heart to heart convo with her after work about this, regardless if the smoking is the cause, she needs to quit.

She has been on an inhaler a few times in the past when it get's really bad, but not all the time. The doctor prescribed her some antibiotics to take care of it, and even a couple times the really strong stuff, it clears it up, but then just comes back. Btw she is only 21 years old.

Answer 1

She should really consider quitting. Chronic bronchitis will lead to damage of her lung tissue and this eventually leads to COPD- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema. both of which are highly attractive as you get to be short of breath all of the time and carry around a lovely oxygen tank. Her recurrence is most certainly directly linked to her smoking and will continue unless she quits.

Answer 2

I once suffered from Chronic Bronchitis. I would suffer sometimes 3 to 4 times per year! Usually when there was a major change in the pressure outside (I live in the north, and the temperature spikes and dips do wonders to chronic sufferers of bronchitis!). Each time I would get horrible hacking coughs, hoarking up green phlegm..it was so frustrating!

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Answer 3

Smoking is the WORST thing she can do while having bronchitis. It doesn't allow her lungs to heal properly and can rob the body of oxygen. I wouldn't say that she has chronic bronchitis as of yet. I'd look to see what is really triggering these bronchitis treatments. Perhaps she's not on antibiotics for long enough and is relapsing quickly. She also need to be on inhaled steroids like Advair, a nasal spray like Rhinocort, Albuterol or something of the like to keep her airways open and respiratory treatments at her doctor's office. And most certainly on top of that she needs an antibiotic.

Answer 4

You do not state what age, but if she is over 40, then give up smoking. If under 40, and we are talking chronic bronchitis not just a cold or flu, I would get her immunglobulins checked out, she might have a immune deficiency problem

Answer 5

These 2 diseases act in combination to create COPD. Chronic Bronchitis is an over production of mucus by the "Goblet cells" of the lung (trying to protect themselves from toxins, and flush the toxins out). As it thicken in the lung, it becomes a Pneumonitis, and eventually Pneumonia. Emphysema is actually a change in structure of the small airway at the point of Carbon Dioxide/Oxygen exchange (the Alveoli). In healthy lungs there is a huge number of small "balloon type" pouches with small vessels running over them, to in able the blood to "pick up" oxygen, and "drop off" Carbon Dioxide--called Alveoli. These "balloon/pouches" have a large surface area (as big as a tennis court in square footage). In lungs plagued with Emphysema, those pouches have become "bulbous"--or simply put- "many have turned into one"--decreasing the surface area and impeding proper Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide exchange. This along with the over production & thickening of mucus in the lungs causes re-curring Pneumonias and shortness of breath much of the time. Also- The Definition of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is 2 or more lung diseases in combination with one another---this doesn't just constitute Chronic Bronchitis & Emphysema. It can include many other diseases--however Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema are the most commom. I hope this answers your question and I didn't confuse you. Good Luck on your essay.

Answer 6

I agree with your approach regarding urging her to stop smoking. Be there for her in "the swing times," especially if she "quits cold turkey." My dad did it that way and gave a whole new meaning to "h**ll on wheels." Have her go--and you can go for support--to an asthma lung specialist. They will usually do a Peak Flow Meter Test to determine total lung capacity. That type doctor, because of her excessive bronchitis problem, could possibly help her the most. Good luck!

Answer 7

I have it and there are 3 things that will help a lot. Make sure to drink lots of water (it helps to loosen the phlegm. Stay away from cold weather. Don't sit too close to the air conditioner. Find a comfort zone. experiment with different temps to see what could trigger it. And finally, take lots of vitamins C and B and E. Something else, Brushing teeth often and using mouthwash will help to kill germs. And don't always rush to get antibiotics. I used to do this and now they are all useless to me. you have to let your body build up an immunity (antibodies) so that it can get rid of this on it's own.

Answer 8

Dear my friend it sound like asthma, maybe she doesn't like antibiotics like me but what i do is try natural medicines for the bronchios and you could help her looking for internet, i found in AINTERNET LIVE. COM and was great because i found the solution to my problem.Try them . lucky you

Answer 9

Sounds like asthma to me

Answer 10

the smoking will make it worse and yes she should be using a puffer to help the attacks not to be so strong