Considering Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) was going around last week, it’s not surprising that Bronchitis is What’s Going Around this week. Typically acute bronchitis develops from colds and other URI’s. Meanwhile, chronic bronchitis is most often a result of smoking or other pollutants.
Based on the numbers from Centra Care physicians throughout Central Florida. Bronchitis diagnosis in adults is up 240% at the Azalea Park center, 117% at Altamonte, 114% in the Conway area, and has nearly doubled at the Hunter’s Creek, Lee Road, Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Garden Village and Winter Park locations.
Are you coughing? Do you feel tired? Have a feeling of soreness or tightness in your chest? Then you may have What’s Going Around.
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Bronchitis is inflammation of the large air passages in the lungs. It occurs when the mucous lining in the airways becomes irritated and swollen. Symptoms of bronchitis include a dry cough that develops into a cough with mucus, wheezing, fatigue, chest tightness and a mild fever; sometimes with chills.
Acute bronchitis is contagious so washing your hands and keeping them away from your face is an important step in prevention. An annual seasonal flu shot is also recommended because many cases of bronchitis are a result of a bout with influenza.
Bronchitis usually goes away on its own in about a week, but if your symptoms worsen, you have shortness of breath, or a fever that lasts more than four or five days, you should contact your physician.
If you suspect you have bronchitis there are some things you can do at home to lessen the severity of symptoms:
- Over the counter medications can help pain, fever and cough
- A humidifier can help break up mucus
- Drink lots of fluids
- Get plenty of rest
- Keep away from tobacco smoke
You can help prevent acute bronchitis by avoiding:
- Air pollutants, irritants and allergens
- Smoking/second-hand smoke – it lessens your body’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses
- Contact with people who have an upper respiratory infection like a cold or pneumonia; especially if you have a chronic illness or impaired immune system
There 18 Centra Care Urgent Care locations – and a Florida Hospital certified physician on site – 7 Days a Week. For locations and phone numbers visit: www.CentraCare.org
Sincerely,
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3