Bronchitis Research
An infection is most commonly the cause of bronchitis, which is acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This is not a serious condition and usually clears up with no problem. However, if this happens to an elderly person who has heart or lung disease it could be dangerous. A common cold, a runny nose, chills and tiredness may be the first indications of infectious bronchitis and usually include a cough, which may be dry at first and continue with the production of a small amount of white and yellow sputum along with fever. If the symptoms continue, a chest x-ray should be taken to rule out pneumonia.
For treatment the person should be under the care of a doctor for medication to relieve symptoms. Resting and drinking fluids will help. If the bronchitis is caused by bacteria, the doctor should prescribe antibiotics. If the bronchitis is severe, the doctor should get a sample of the sputum to select the most effective antibiotic.
