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Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis

By: Amy Cheung


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Sometimes, for someone with chronic bronchitis, the symptoms will rapidly worsen unpredictably. This is known as an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, otherwise known as AECB. Most individuals that expire from chronic bronchitis unexpectedly die during a sudden onset of AECB, thus someone experiencing an attack of AECB should receive medical attention instantly to maximize one’s chances of survival.
What Occurs In An Attack of AECB?
In an episode of an AECB, the by now irregularly constricted air sacs in one’s lungs become even more constricted, and an increased amount of thicker mucous is secreted. The condition will cause regular breathing to become even more labored. This may occur simultaneously with a slight fever, chills, as well as a sense of weakness in one’s knees. If the abrupt occurrence of AECB is caused by bacterial infection, the mucus heaved at expectoration can be spotted with blood, or tinged with a brighter than regular green or yellow. If the person is suffering from fever, and has discovered blood in his/her mucus, there is a good chance the attending doctor will take a chest x-ray to ensure that pneumonia is not the underlying cause of the condition.
What Triggers AECB?
AECB are usually triggered by a combination of the following:
-Bacterial or viral infections (e.g. cold, flu)
-Air pollutants that irritate the respiratory system (e.g. smoke, fumes, dust)
-Changes in weather
To protect oneself from AECB, a patient with an acute form of bronchitis is encouraged to avoid areas with severe air pollution, to obtain flu and pneumonia injections, and to maintain a proper nutrition to protect one’s immune system against infection causing agents.
If you are suffering from AECB, you must obtain medical treatment immediately. AECB has been known to result in other problems, as well as numerous cases are documented every year due to complications from AECB. If you are stricken by AECB, try not to panic. Keep your breathing as steady as possible, and steadily call your doctor for medical care. Since AECB can arrive suddenly without preamble, it is strongly recommended to maintain any inhalants within reach just in case. Take care to ask your doctor, and ensure that these inhalants are fine to inhale when you are experiencing AECB, to prevent any further complications. You may benefit from lying down with a humidifier running, or taking a hot shower to help you breath and decrease the problems of AECB.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

To grab a copy of Amy's Free Chronic Bronchitis eBook, and read more articles related to Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis, please click here to visit her chronic bronchitis website.

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