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Bronchitis Prevention

Bronchitis: Prevention


Top Prevention

1. Cover your mouth and nose

Bronchitis can be easily transmitted from one person to other through air. For instance, if you are in close proximity with someone who is suffering from bronchitis and if he sneezes or coughs, then the microorganisms responsible for bronchitis will be transferred from him to you when you breathe the same air. The sickness can spread even when the infected person is talking next to you. Therefore, the best way of preventing bronchitis is by wearing a face mask or covering mouth and nose with a scarf. This is especially important if you are dealing with a respiratory or cold infection because the cold air from the outside can enter your lungs and trigger bronchitis. Also, the face mask limits your exposure to air pollutants such as cigarette smoke. These pollutants can cause irritation and inflammation in the bronchial tubes.

2. Get medical attention for your common cold

Most of us have the habit of ignoring common cold, however, we suggest you seek medical attention for your common cold. Almost everyone suffers from common cold, but for some of us dealing with it is quite difficult in comparison to others. If you belong to the category of those who have a tough time dealing with common cold, then you must certainly consult your doctor or medical caregiver. You should restrict the cold from becoming bronchitis and later pneumonia, therefore, it is recommended that you get treatment right away.

3. Do not smoke

Smoking is known to cause an array of adverse health effects including cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. Smoking is also responsible for bronchitis as it causes the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This inflammation leads to the production of excess mucus. If you have been smoking consistently for many years, then your chances of developing bronchitis is almost double of that of a non-smoker. Even the passive smokers around you who inhale the second hand smoke are at a greater risk. So, we recommend quitting smoking as soon as possible.

4. Keep your allergies in check

Allergies are perhaps the most important cause of chronic bronchitis. You can spark both asthma episodes and bronchitis if you fail in controlling your allergies. So, consult your physician regularly regarding your allergies. Do not ignore the medication prescribed by the doctors. These medications can help in treating your allergy and make sure that your allergy is not the one which triggers bronchitis. This way you can reduce the risk of developing bronchitis to a considerable extent.

5. Avoid sharing food and direct physical contact

You can pick up the germs responsible for bronchitis from the food or utensils if you share food with anyone who is suffering from bronchitis. Drinking water or some other fluid from the same glass can also transmit the germs. This is one of the easiest ways for the germs to get from one person to another. You must even avoid direct physical contact with the infected person, for instance, shaking hands with an infected person can let you contract bronchitis. This happens usually if the person suffering from bronchitis is coughing constantly and covering his mouth with his hand.

6. Take a vitamin supplement

You can protect yourself from bronchitis by taking vitamin supplements. Vitamins are known to boost the immune system of the body; thus, the chances of developing flu, cold or bronchitis is lowered. Try to take multivitamins everyday, increase your intake of vitamin C and echinacea.

7. Get an annual flu shot and follow some precautions

It is a well known fact that flu leads to bronchitis, so if you want to prevent bronchitis then you must try to prevent yourself from flu. This can be done by taking a flu shot annually. You can consult your doctor about having flu vaccinations. You must even try to reduce the intake of mucus forming food products such as white flour, sugar, dairy products, sweet fruits and some processed foods. Try to avoid those substances which can lead to allergic reactions. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, soups and herbal teas.

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