Unique Original Articles » Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis

Sometimes, for someone with chronic bronchitis, the physical manifestations will rapidly worsen without warning. This is called an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, or AECB. Many patients that die from this disease unexpectedly die during an episode of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, therefore a person experiencing sudden AECB must get medical care right away to maximize one’s chances of survival.

What Occurs During AECB?

During an AECB, the already abnormally narrow air passageways in the lungs become even thinner, and an increased amount of more profuse mucous is stored. This will result in a person’s breathing to be distinctly difficult. This can occur simultaneously with a fever, chills and cold, in addition to feeling weak in the knees. If the abrupt occurrence of acute exacerbation is due to bacterial infection, the liquid coughed up during expectoration may be speckled with blood, or tinted with a more vivid than normal green or yellow. If the person is stricken with fever, and has noticed blood in his/her mucus, there is a good chance the attending physician will recommend an x-ray to ensure that other factors such as pneumonia is not the determining root of the problem.

What Triggers AECB?

Cases of AECB are known to be triggered by a combination of these factors:
-Infections caused by bacteria and virus (e.g. cold, flu)
-Air pollutants that aggravate the respiratory system (e.g. smoke, fumes, dust)
-Rapid changes in weather

To avoid AECB, a chronic bronchitic is counseled to stay away from areas with severe air pollution, to seek flu and pneumonia injections, as well as to keep a proper nutrition to protect the immune system from infection causing agents.

If you are suffering from AECB, you should pursue a physician’s treatment immediately. This condition has been known to result in other diseases, and numerous cases are documented every year for AECB complications. If you are suffering from this, remember to avoid panicking. Breathe as steadily as possible, and calmly call a physician or doctor for counsel. Since this condition can come suddenly without preamble, it is always best to keep any prescribed inhalants on you just in case. Take care to ask your physician, and ensure that these inhalers are okay to inhale when you are experiencing AECB, to prevent any further problems. Try lying down with a humidifier running, or taking a warm shower to help you breath and reduce the problems of AECB.
To grab a copy of Amy's Free Chronic Bronchitis eBook, and read more articles related to Chronic Bronchitis with Acute Exacerbation, please click here to visit her chronic bronchitis website.
Article Source: JS2 Article Marketing